Australia outplay India 5-2 in CWG hockey

NEW DELHI: Defending champions Australia outplayed India 5-2 in a Commonwealth Games Pool A hockey match at a packed Major Dhyan Chand stadium here on Thursday.

Australia, who beat India by the same margin at this very venue during a World Cup league match early this year, seized the initiative by slamming in two goals inside the first 10 minutes through strikers Des Abbott and Trent Mitton.

Indian forward Dharamvir Singh made it 2-1 with a powerful drive into the Australian goal in the 12th minute after a spectacular, mazy run on the left.

The goal seemed to lift the morale of the Indians, who constantly charged into the rival circle and forced as many as five penalty corners but failed to convert any.

The second-half saw Australia display top form, with Eddie Ockenden converting a penalty off a pass by captain and three-time player of the year Jamie Dwyer in the 48th minute.

Liam de Young, another experienced player in the Australian side, made it 4-1 six minutes later before Glenn Turner joined in the goal-fest and stunned the crowd into silence.

India's penalty corner expert Sandeep Singh, however, gave the spectators something to cheer about when his drag-flick hit the Australian post at the final hooter.