Indian Women's Hockey Team loses first game of Australian Tour

By: WE Staff | Friday, 19 May 2023

The Australians trounced the Indian women's hockey team 2-4 in the first Test of the three-match series at the Mate Stadium on May 18, which put a damper on the Indian team's tour to Australia.

For India, goals were scored by Sangita Kumari (29') and Sharmila Devi (40'), while Australia's goals came from Aisling Utri (21'), Maddy Fitzpatrick (27'), Alice Arnott (32'), and Courtney Schonell (35'). 

After settling into their passing rhythm right away, Australia dominated India in the first quarter by controlling the majority of the ball and constantly putting the visitors' defence to the test. The hosts also got three penalty corners in the opening period of the game, but they were unable to capitalise on them because Savita, the captain and keeper of the Indian Team, and the defenders stood their ground to stop Australia from taking the lead.

On the other side, Australia's quick and aggressive style of play allowed them to score twice in the second quarter.  Abigail Wilson and Courtney Schonell collaborated well before the latter delivered a pass across the goal for Aisling Utri to score for India. Soon after, Maddy Fitzpatrick (27'), who effectively converted a penalty corner, extended the hosts' lead. 

India modified their approach to play after conceding the second goal, and it paid off when Sangita Kumari scored in the 29th minute. Sangita was in the right place to beat Australia's goalkeeper Jocelyn Bartram after Nikki Pradhan's long shot took a deflection off Fitzpatrick. In the first half, the hosts were up 2-1.

Alice Arnott of Australia scored quickly to start the third period of play, while Courtney Schonell of the hosts added a fourth goal at the 35-second mark. Australia led 4-2 at the end of the third quarter, but India quickly responded when forward Sharmila Devi (40') successfully converted a penalty corner.

In spite of several scoring opportunities for both teams in the game's final and fourth quarters, none were converted. The Indian women's hockey team's next game is on May 20 versus Australia.