Hockey: Jeremy Hayward’s brace helps Australia beat India in fourth match

The Indian men’s hockey team went down 1-3 against Australia in their fourth game of the five-match Test series on Friday.

After captain Harmanpreet Singh (12’) opened the scoring for India, Jeremy Hayward (19’, 47’) and Jack Welch (54’) found the net to help Australia secure victory.

The Indian team started the match with a strong attacking stance. In the opening minute, Mandeep Singh, left unmarked in the D area, unleashed a powerful shot towards the goal, only to be denied by Australia's goalkeeper, Andrew Charter.

The hosts, however, didn't lag in offensive play, earning two consecutive penalty corners which they couldn't convert.

Despite Australia's pressure, India managed to secure multiple penalty corners themselves. Just before the first quarter ended, Harmanpreet capitalised on one of these opportunities, firing the ball with precision and power into the net, granting India a 1-0 lead.

With an aim to bounce back in the game, Australia came out all guns blazing in the second quarter and won two quick penalty corners. They were able to take score the second time when Hayward expertly placed the ball into the net.

The match continued with intense back-and-forth action, yet neither team managed to score again in the quarter. As the halftime whistle blew, the score stood...

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