Rupinder Pal Singh

Melbourne: Rupinder Pal Singh's brace went in vain as Indian men's hockey team lost 2-3 to hosts Australia in a tense opening game of the four-nation Invitational Tournament yesterday.

The Indians began positively against top-ranked Australia, showing positive intent and energy in the first quarter. However, the first 15 minutes ended in a stalemate.

After missing first two opportunities, Rupinder did not disappoint the third time as his powerful and precise dragflick went past Australian goalkeeper Tristan Clemons to give India a 1-0 lead in the 21st minute.

But the lead was shortlived as as Jeremy Hayward scored the equaliser for Australia three minutes later, using his dragflicking skills to beat a diving Akash Chikte in front of the Indian goal. At halftime, the game was beautifully poised at 1-1.

India witnessed some times in the third quarter as the Australians scored two more goals to surge ahead 3-1. Hayward scored his second penalty corner goal in the 36th minute and then Trent Mitton scored his team's third off a difficult angle in the 43rd minute.