First they finished Runners’ up in Glasgow 2014, then won the Asian Games 2014. The U-21 followed the footsteps and defended their title in Sultan of Johor Cup 2014 becoming the first team to win the title twice. Now, Indian Men’s Hockey team has won a rare 4-test series held at Perth, by a margin of 3-1. Unfortunately, the newspapers could not part with their previews of Cricket ODI even then. Still, after a long long wait, Indian Hockey appears to be back to track.
India in Australia to Play 4 Match Hockey Series
Under Sardar Singh, Indian Men’s Hockey Team visited Australia for a 4-test series. Nobody could risk giving them any chance of winning. Even a draw in one of the games could have been considered very good effort, considering the dismal show of Indians against the top teams of the world in the past decade or longer.
Summary of the Test Series
Indians started with a loss by 4-0 in the opening game. They surprised all by winning the second game 2-1. Winning the third game 1-0 ensured the win was not a fluke. Everyone then expected the series to be a draw as the World Champion Aussies were favorite to bounce.
A drubbing of Indians was expected. Instead, Indians finished the series with a clear win by 3-1 in the match.
The win gave them a memorable 3-1 win in the test series too. It will surely serve as a confidence booster for the upcoming Champions Trophy for the hosts, India.
Personal Milestones
- Captain Sardar Singh completed 200 International games.
Ramandeep Singh, captain of third match in the absence of Sardar Singh, completed 100 International games.
Goal Scorers of Matches
1st match: Aus won 4-0
- Aus: Jeremy Hayward (15th, 34th minutes), Jacob Whetton (30th) and Glenn Simpson (39th)
2nd match: Ind won 2-1
- Ind: Ramandeep Singh (33rd), SV Sunil (34rd)
Aus: Matt Gohdes (30th)
3rd match: Ind won 1-0
- SV Sunil (34rd)
4th match: Ind won 3-1
- Ind: Akashdeep Singh (24, 50), Uthappa Sannuvanda (53)
Aus: Tom Craig (36)
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