A young Indian side put up a spirited fight before going down 3-4 to six-time champions Australia in the opening encounter of the Sultan Azlan Shah hockey tournament in Malaysia on Saturday.
India, who have fielded a second-string side, did challenge their superior opponents but
conceding two goals within two minutes of the second half, which became the turning point of the game.
For Australia, Matt Gohdes scored in the 24th and 39th minute, while Glenn Simpson (39th minute) and Trent Milton (53rd) were the other scorers.
Drag-flicker Rupinder Pal Singh converted both the penalty corners in the 40th and 68th minute, while Malak Singh scored a brilliant field goal from an acute angle in the 51st minute.
The winners lead 1-0 at the break. Australia took control of the game within the first 10 minutes during which India goalkeeper P Sreejesh effected a couple of smart saves when Tim Bates took a few of shots.