India down Australia, clinch series 3-1

The Indian men's hockey team delivered a fantastic performance to defeat World Champions Australia 3-1 to win their third successive match and clinch the four-match Test series 3-1 at the Perth Hockey Stadium on Sunday. Upbeat about their last two triumphs against the World No.1 side, who have fielded an experimental team, India opened the first quarter with all strength and dynamism, as a result of which the initial goal came in the 13th minute from the stick of Akashdeep Singh, who perfectly converted a penalty corner. However, Australia made a comeback in the third quarter as Thomas Craig converted a penalty corner (36th minute) to level the scores 1-1. The game strengthened after the equaliser as both teams looked for creating chances. In the final quarter, it was Akashdeep again who scored a stunning field goal (50th). In no time S.K. Uthappa faultlessly scored another field goal (53rd) to put India 3-1 ahead.