India crushed by Australia in first hockey Test

Raghunath Vokkaliga

Perth, Nov 4 (IANS)

The Indian men's hockey team suffered a 0-4 loss against Australia in the first of the four-match Test series at the Perth Hockey Stadium on Tuesday.

Dragflicker Jeremy Hayward (15th, 34th minutes), Jacob Whetton (30th) and Glenn Simpson (39th) scored for the world champions Australian team, which dominated the contest.

Both the teams started aggressively but it was Australia who capitalised on the first opportunity. Hayward sounded the board in the 15th minute to help his team take 1-0 lead which was doubled with Whetton's field goal in the 30th minute.

India found the going tough as Australia stepped up the pressure and scored the third goal in the 34th minute with Edwards' second goal. Five minutes later. mid-fielder Simpson made it 4-0 with a perfectly executed penalty corner.

The Terry Walsh-coached Indian team will play its next match Wednesday.