Sunil strikes in India's 1-0 win over Australia

SV Sunil struck the only goal of the match in the third quarter as India stun Australia 1-0 in the third hockey test to take a 2-1 lead in the four-match series in Perth on Saturday.

Rupinder Pal Singh, who played his 100th international match, led the Indian side in the absence of regular skipper Sardar Singh.

The Indian boys kept troubling the Aussie defenders but were unable to net the goal in the first quarter. The second quarter was also barren.

Coming into the third quarter, it was India who broke the shackles and scored the opening goal which left the Kookaburras stunned. In the 34th minute SV Sunil netted the ball from a beautiful pass from Akashdeep Singh.

The Indian played more aggressive after that. They not only ensured good possession but even kept the pressure on the opponent's defense.

The Australians found it extremely difficult to penetrate into Indian defense. The last quarter saw the Indian defenders skilfully tackling the opponents whenever the Kookaburras attacked their D.

The fourth and final match of series will be played on Sunday.

Image: SV Sunil

Photograph: Will Russell/Getty Images