India Women’s Hockey team begins tour with a 2-3 loss to Australia A

The Indian Women’s Hockey Team put in a determined and gritty performance but fell short against Australia A, going down 2-3 in its second game of the Australia tour, at the Perth Hockey Stadium in Australia on Sunday.

Jyoti Singh and Sunelita Toppo scored for the visitors while Australia A pulled off the comeback, when being one goal done, with Evie Stansby, Dayle Dolkens, and Jamie-Lee Surha finding the back of the net.

India was out of the blocks faster than Australia A, showing great intent and control in their attacking forays.

The pressure eventually paid off when India won a penalty corner in the final phase of the first quarter, through which Jyoti opened the scoring.

Australia A fought back in the second quarter, getting a Penalty Stroke that was converted by Evie. India continued to attack the hosts, who held on for the rest of the quarter.

Early in the final quarter, Australia A edged ahead as Dayle scored to make it 2-1, and soon after Jamie-Lee added another four minutes later.

Sunelita tried to inspire a comeback for India with a goal in the 59th minute, but Australia A stayed put to secure the narrow win.

India faces Australia in the third match of the tour on Thursday.