Hockey: India aim to surprise Australia further

Perth: After a “commendable” series levelling win, India aims to spring another surprise in the third game of the four-match test series against world champions Australia in Perth on Saturday.

India showed character in their unexpected 2-1 win on Wednesday after losing the opening match 0-4.

Speaking on the preparations for the crucial game, captain and midfielder Sardar Singh said the team’s focus is on improving with every game against a top side like Australia.

“It is a good learning process that we all are going through by playing against the world’s top ranked team. As witnessed in the first two matches itself, where we lost the first match, the improvement was evident in the second match as we took Australia down,” said Sardar.

“The team is more prepared now and is learning to be more challenging with each day that passes. Working on the possession of the ball and the long passes has really helped the team put up a good show in the last game and we are hoping to deliver better results in the upcoming matches,” he added.

India’s Australian coach Terry Walsh, who is well aware of the conditions here, said his side is keen to give another tough fight to its formidable opponents.

“We knew that this tournament will not be easy, but with the way these boys fought back in the second match is really commendable. We are studying the faulty areas and are working hard to overcome them. The team is preparing hard and is looking in good shape to give a similar fight as the last match and delivering favourable results,” said Walsh.