Australia hammer India 8-3 in tri-nation hockey

It was a forgettable Diwali for the Indian hockey team at the Tri-Nation hockey tournament in Busselton, Australia.

The hosts ripped apart the Indian defence to hand the visitors a 8-3 bashing in the opening match of the double leg event.

In what turned out to be a nightmare of an outing for the Indian team on Wednesday, Australia blew away the Indian team with some great field manoeuvres and penalty corner drills.

The Aussies scored at will against a clueless Indian defence with Kieran Goers, Desmond Abbot and Chris Ciriello netting a brace each while Eddie Ockenden and Glenn Turner added to the tally.

Indians though tried to make a comeback with goals from Danish Mujtaba (12th and 66th minute) and S V Sunil (32nd minute), but it turned out to be too little and too late.

It was a troublesome night for the visitors, whose defence was a huge let down, especially when it came to defending the penalty corners.

Australian penalty corner specialist Chris Ciriello led the victory march much to the chagrin of the Indians.

Danish Mujtaba and SV Sunil narrowed the Australian score with a goal apiece in the first half, but Ciriello cancelled them out in 25th and 35th minute.

The match went into the lemon break with Australia leading 5-2.

Young Danish punched another goal five minutes before the hooter but by then the visitors' fate was already sealed.

Pakistan is the third team in the tri-nation tournament and are scheduled to play India on Friday.

The ranking matches will be played at Perth on November 3.