ADELAIDE: India put in a spirited performance before a 2-3 battle against Australia, hosts of the second women’s match hockey Test to concede the series of three matches here on Saturday.
Tatum Stewart (12th, 45th mins) netted a brace for Australia, while Pippa Morgan (38th) was the hosts’ other scorer.
India’s goals were scored by Sangita Kumari (13th) and Gurjit Kaur (17th).
World No. 3 Australia take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-game series. Eighth-seeded India had earlier lost 2-4 in Thursday’s series opener at Mate Stadium.
The third and final game of the series will be played here on Sunday.
India will also face Australia’s ‘A’ team on the tour, which kicked off their preparations for the Asian Games in Hangzhou later this year.
Unlike the series opener, it was a much better and impressive display from the Indians. It was a more cohesive effort from the Indians in all departments of the game unlike the first game where they looked in bad shape.
India came out strong after the opening game defeat and pressed hard on the Australian goal early on.
India made most of the attacks in the first two quarters which gave the visitors some great chances.
India were awarded their first corner in the eighth minute but Gurjit’s fierce kick was stopped by Australia captain and goalkeeper Jocelyn Bartram.
But it was Australia who took the lead against the run of play in the 12th minute from a penalty corner through Stewart, who scored his first international goal.
India responded immediately with a beautiful basket. Salima Tete started the move from midfield and passed the ball to Sharmila Devi inside the circle, whose pass was deflected by Sangita for her second goal of the series.
India continued in the same vein in the second quarter as the Hockeyroos struggled to break into the Indian circle.
India took the lead two minutes into the second quarter when Gurjit converted the second of consecutive penalty corners.
Lalremsiami then nearly scored in the 22nd minute, but his reverse hit went just wide.
One minute from half time, India got another free kick but failed to use it.
Trailing 1-2, Australia made up for their lackluster first-half performance by looking more coordinated and determined after the switch.
Australia attacked the Indian citadel in numbers in the third quarter and their efforts paid off with two goals.
In the 38th minute, Indian skipper Savita made a double save in front of goal but couldn’t help but concede a penalty corner. Morgan scored with a nice variation.
Australia were awarded another penalty corner 38 seconds from the end of the third quarter, which ended in a knock after the ball from the goalmouth hit Monika’s feet. Stewart made no mistake in scoring his second of the day and giving the hosts a 3-2 lead.
Looking for the equaliser, India attacked in numbers in the fourth and final quarter and had some glorious chances, one in the form of a corner kick too, but couldn’t find the bottom line. net as Australia maintained the slim lead.
Tatum Stewart (12th, 45th mins) netted a brace for Australia, while Pippa Morgan (38th) was the hosts’ other scorer.
India’s goals were scored by Sangita Kumari (13th) and Gurjit Kaur (17th).
World No. 3 Australia take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-game series. Eighth-seeded India had earlier lost 2-4 in Thursday’s series opener at Mate Stadium.
The third and final game of the series will be played here on Sunday.
India will also face Australia’s ‘A’ team on the tour, which kicked off their preparations for the Asian Games in Hangzhou later this year.
Unlike the series opener, it was a much better and impressive display from the Indians. It was a more cohesive effort from the Indians in all departments of the game unlike the first game where they looked in bad shape.
India came out strong after the opening game defeat and pressed hard on the Australian goal early on.
India made most of the attacks in the first two quarters which gave the visitors some great chances.
India were awarded their first corner in the eighth minute but Gurjit’s fierce kick was stopped by Australia captain and goalkeeper Jocelyn Bartram.
But it was Australia who took the lead against the run of play in the 12th minute from a penalty corner through Stewart, who scored his first international goal.
India responded immediately with a beautiful basket. Salima Tete started the move from midfield and passed the ball to Sharmila Devi inside the circle, whose pass was deflected by Sangita for her second goal of the series.
India continued in the same vein in the second quarter as the Hockeyroos struggled to break into the Indian circle.
India took the lead two minutes into the second quarter when Gurjit converted the second of consecutive penalty corners.
Lalremsiami then nearly scored in the 22nd minute, but his reverse hit went just wide.
One minute from half time, India got another free kick but failed to use it.
Trailing 1-2, Australia made up for their lackluster first-half performance by looking more coordinated and determined after the switch.
Australia attacked the Indian citadel in numbers in the third quarter and their efforts paid off with two goals.
In the 38th minute, Indian skipper Savita made a double save in front of goal but couldn’t help but concede a penalty corner. Morgan scored with a nice variation.
Australia were awarded another penalty corner 38 seconds from the end of the third quarter, which ended in a knock after the ball from the goalmouth hit Monika’s feet. Stewart made no mistake in scoring his second of the day and giving the hosts a 3-2 lead.
Looking for the equaliser, India attacked in numbers in the fourth and final quarter and had some glorious chances, one in the form of a corner kick too, but couldn’t find the bottom line. net as Australia maintained the slim lead.
