India edge out Australia in first Test

India edge out Australia in first Test

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© Hockey India

The Indian men’s team have avenged their defeat against Australia at the Four Nations Tournament by beating the hosts 2-3 in the first game of the two-match Test series. A brace from Affan Yousuf gave India the lead at half-time before VR Raghunath scored the winner in the 3rd quarter.

Both the teams failed to open the deadlock in the first quarter with both the defences holding their shape. However, Affan Yousuf came to life in the second quarter, and the forward scored two wonderful field goals in the 19th minute to give India a 2-0 lead at half-time. Yousuf, whose father Mohammed Yousuf, grandfather Khuda Dad, and uncle Sameer Dad have all played for the national team, is now carrying his family tradition forward.

However, the home side came out all guns blazing in the second half. Matthew Willis scored their first goal in the 36th minute before Trent Mitton equalized for the Aussie team seven minutes later through another field goal. It did not take long for India to respond, though. VR Raghunath, who has been in a fine goal-scoring form off late, gave the lead back to India with another goal from a penalty corner in the 44th minute.

Australia pushed for an equalizer in the fourth quarter but were unable to break down the Indian defence. The match ended 2-3 in favour of the visitors, who will be looking for a historic away Test series win against Australia in the second game.

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