The Asian Age
New Delhi
Aug. 1: India fought back with a combination of speed and skill reversing a two goal deficit at the University of Birmingham to win the second of their three-match hockey test series against England 4-3.
Arjun Halappa (35th), Dhananjay Mahadik (41st), Rajpal Singh (43rd) and Gurvinder Chandi (65th min), scored for India, while England’s goals came from Ashley Jackson (22nd & 69th) and Jonty Clarke (26th min), according to a Hockey India release.
England, who won the first test 3-1 on Wednesday, began aggressively but met stiff resistance in the Indian defence, particularly from Sardar Singh in his new role as a sweeper back.
England, who earned six penalty corners in the first half, had to wait for the last one to net the opener. Ashley Jackson got it spot on in the 22nd minute. England built up on a turnover in the 26th minute. Matt Daly’s shot was saved by D’Souza low to his left but before Bimal Lakra could react Clarke did brilliantly to knock home the loose ball.
India got their first penalty corner in the 35th minute. However Mahadik’s flick was taken by custodian James Fair dangerously resulting in another penalty corner. Arjun Halappa fired a low flick to give a 2-1 score at half time.
India returned for second half with renewed vigour and they turned the game on its head with two goals in quick succession. Mahadik scored the equaliser to the great delight of a huge India support base in the stands.
Two minutes later it was the turn of stand-in captain Rajpal Singh to celebrate as he gave India the lead.
India were flowing with confidence as Chandi scored off a reverse stick volley to give the visitors a 4-2 lead in the 65th minute.
England reduced the margin when Jackson netted his second corner in the 69th.
The third and final match of the series takes place on Sunday at Birmingham.