In modern hockey era, India had its own share of joyous moments against Australia. People may still remember Nikkin Thimmaih’s recent hattrick, but Gavin Ferreira, Deepak Thakur, Gagan Ajits too had their share in their times. Its not that Australia is unbeatable all the time. That too, whenever it brought experimental side ass happened in 1996 or near full team (2002), the Indians relished their chances. At Azlan Shah in the mid 2000s, coach Bansal’s team put it across Charlesworth’s.

The draws and wins it has had in Champions Trophy itself is enough proof.

The two victories that India registered in the realm of Champions Trophy is worth reminiscing on the eve of India taking on Austraia at London Champions Trophy today.

The first victory was made in Chennai in the Kuber Champions Trophy. Terry Walsh brought an young team, after all the event was held a couple of months after Olympics.

India met Australia fresh after defeating Spain. Its Jason Duff who gave Aussies a flying start in the sixth minute, but Indian left-half Ramandeep Singh came up with two penalty stroke conversion, each in the span of three minutes to go up 2-1. But its Gavin Ferrereira who sealed the victory with a thundering forehand (see pic) in the 47th minute.

Six years later, Indians were in their prime with the likes of Deepak Thakur, Gagan Ajit, Prabhjot Singh were supplied with immaculate balls innumerable time by the inside duo of Dhanraj Pillay and Baljeet Singh Dhillon.

At Cologne, where India would later put out a Classic Pak feat, savoured Australia. Barry Dancer’s Australia, with Paul Gaudoin at centre, was tentative, penalty corner department in particular was misfiring. India capitalized.

India took 2-0 lead. First Jugraj Singh converted a stroke. Then Prabhjot Singh and Deepak Thakur combination added one. Scott Webster confused goalie Devesh Chauhan to reduce the lead. But a fierce penalty corner shot by captain Dilip Tirkey was deflected in by Gagan (3-1). In the dying moments Dean Butler

It was for the first time Champions Trophy was telecast live in India, by ESPN, and the victory did not go unnoticed by the public.

Australia left some veteran players for London, so also India. Australia could extract wins in all four matches so far, but it has not over run any rivals. Australia may not risk today, having already ensured its final slot. Its India that needs a draw or win, and history beckons for India.