Indian women's hockey team lose 3-5 in opening match of Australia tour

The Indian women's hockey team fought valiantly but fell short in their opening game of the Australia tour, going down 3-5 to a clinical Australia 'A' side at the Perth Hockey Stadium in Perth on Saturday.

- STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 26 APRIL

India found the back of the net through Mahima Tete (27'), Navneet Kaur (45'), and Lalremsiami (50') while Neasa Flynn (3'), Olivia Downes (9'), Ruby Harris (11'), Tatum Stewart (21'), and Kendra Fitzpatrick (44') scored for Australia 'A'.

The match began at a frenetic pace, with Australia 'A' asserting early control and breaking the deadlock through a well-constructed field goal by Neasa Flynn (3'). The home team continued to press hard, and in quick succession, Olivia Downes (9') and Ruby Harris (11') capitalised on defensive lapses to score two more field goals, ending the first quarter with a commanding 3-0 lead.