India Sumit, Left, fights for the ball with the Australian brand TIM during the game Fih Hockey for League between Australia and India on Wilrijkse Plein in Belgium, Antwerp. (AP photo) The Indian male hockey team suffered the fifth consecutive defeat in FiH Pro League on Saturday and lost 3-2 in Australia in the match, where he originally led two goals through an impressive performance of Abhiske. The defeat contributes to their previous losses against the Netherlands and Argentina in the tournament.India started heavily and dominated the first two quarters, with Abhishek scored in the 8th and 35th minutes to give his team a lead 2-0. The Indians showed great intent and motivation, although their captain and ace Dragflicker Harmanpreet Singh, who rested because of injury from the previous match against Argentina.Kookaburras mounted a strong comeback after the half, with Nathan Ephhraums scored in the 42nd minute. Joel Rintala and Tom Craig then transferred key criminal corners in the 56th and 60th minutes to ensure the victory for Australia.Indian early dominance was obvious when Abhishek arrived from the upper part of the circle after receiving the Pass from Manpreet Singh for the opening goal. Goalkeeper Suraj Karker made several important savings, including the denial of Australia from the criminal corner at the 11th minute and stopping Joel Rintala from a near range in the 19th minute.The second goal came after the break when Sukhjeet Singh rided the Australian player and handed over to Abhishek, who carried back to the finish. The Australian reaction, however, was fast, with Ephhums, who saved the jump after Karker saved the reverse hit of Tom Craig.India had the opportunity to extend its leadership, including the criminal corners of their backs in the 48th minute, but could not convert itself. The Australians have intensified their attack in the last ten minutes and earned four consecutive criminal corners.Rintala has successfully transformed one of these criminal corners to equalize the score. In a dramatic goal, with the remaining only 42 seconds, Australia earned another penalty corner that Craig transformed through a move away from Jeremy Hayward to finish winning.The loss continues to run India in the tournament, when it previously lost twice in the Netherlands and Argentina in their European foot matches. Despite showing improved performance and commanding leadership, they could not prevent Australia in the second half of the successful return.
