Indian women’s hockey team holds Australia to 1-1 draw

The Indian women’s hockey team rallied to hold Australia to a 1-1 draw in the third match of their tour Down Under on Sunday.

For India, Deep Grace Ekka (42’) scored the equaliser after Maddison Brooks (25’) had put Australia ahead at the MATE Stadium in Adelaide. The result meant that Australia won the three-match hockey series 2-0.

India started the first quarter on a positive note by keeping possession and playing incisive passes. Australia, meanwhile, tested the visitors’ defence on multiple occasions.

However, neither team was able to capitalise on the chances as the opening quarter ended goalless.

The second quarter witnessed India go on the attack more. However, it was Australia who took the lead as Maddison Brooks scored a field goal from a quickly taken free hit. The hosts went into the half-time break with a 1-0 lead.

The third quarter began with India controlling the tempo of the game in their bid to find the equaliser. The strategy paid off as defender Deep Grace Ekka converted a penalty corner to level the scores. The visitors continued to test Australia’s defence but the third quarter didn’t see any more goals and it ended with the score tied at 1-1.

Australia came out all guns blazing in the final quarter but the Indian defence and goalkeeper Savita Punia, playing her 250th international match, stood strong and denied the hosts time and again.

In the meantime, the visiting team’s attackers also carved out some good chances but couldn’t find the back of the net as the match ended in a 1-1 draw.

The Indian women’s hockey team will play Australia A next on May 25.

The tour is part of India’s preparation for the Hanzough Asian Games scheduled in September-October this year.