Times of India: Hockey: Affan Yousuf scores twice in India’s 3-2 win over Australia

NEW DELHI: Talented youngster Affan Yousuf slotted two huge goals during the first half and skipper VR Raghunath struck just seconds after Australia equalised in the third quarter, as the Indian men’s hockey team claimed a 3-2 win over the world No 1 in the first of two Tests in Bendigo, Victoria on Tuesday.

The win came just days after the tourists claimed bronze in the Four Nations Invitational Tournament, and helped Raghunath’s team extract revenge on hosts Australia who beat them 3-2 during that tournament. Overall, this was the 22nd time an Indian men’s hockey team beat Australia, in 117 head-to-head matches.

Australia’s goals came from shots from the field by Matthew Willis and Trent Mitton in the 36th and 43rd minutes, but Raghunath’s penalty corner in the 44th minute put India ahead for good.

This was Affan’s second stand-out performance this month, following on from his late goal during the nail-biting victory over Pakistan which won India the Men’s Asian Champions Trophy in Malaysia. The 22-year-old struck twice in the 21st minute with two excellent field goals after the first quarter ended with the teams yet to score.

In the second half, Australia hit back through Willis and Mitton but Raghunath’s goal ensured the deadlock was snapped quickly. The final quarter was a tense period in which defenders on both ends were made to scurry but India did enough to shut the door on Australia.

After scoring four goals during the ACT, Tuesday’s performance against Australia was another feather in the car of Yousuf, who was born into hockey. His father Mohammed Yousuf, grandfather Khuda Dad and uncle Sameer Dad have each represented India.

The Kangaroos are the No 1 ranked hockey team in the world. In the span of ten days, they beat New Zealand to lift the Trans-Tasman Trophy in Auckland and the Four Nations in Melbourne. India are ranked sixth.

The second Test is on December 1.