Indian team disappointed a fairly large crowd that came to support them today at the Major Dhyan Chand stdium. Ever-improving visitors showcased perhaps their best today to set aside the week and meek challenge of the hosts, with measurable elan.
Establishing suzerneity all through the proceedings, despite some poor umpiring decisions that went against them, South Africa overwhelmed India 3-1 in the third test today.
With this, the Series comes alive. The visiting team that lost both the tests, changed the course of the series, which at 2-1 in favour of India is tantalizingly poised now.
Sandeep Singh, sometimes upfront, some times down below the defence, gave away a stroke early in the match. He foot-stopped a goal-bound feeble shot before the empty cage after goalie PR Sreejesh charged early and lost position.
Madsen Lloyd had no difficulty to get past Sreejesh (1-0, 21st Min).
The Africans built on the momentum.
Indians were on full stream early in both sessions. But poor finish by the forwards, especially Juvraj Walmiki, who played first time in the series, showed no class or acumen to turn even full chances that came on his way. On couple of occasion, he fell after stopping good feeds, and the chances thus went abegging.
Africa enlarged the lead seconds before the lemon time. A free hit was deflected in by Ian Haley (2-0, 35th min).
After missing more than half a dozen sitters, the Indians got a easy penalty corner award – as Arjun outside the circle was hard-tackled – and Sandeep Singh converted. (2-1).
India got two more penalty corners, for feeble reasons, and was expectedly protested by the visiting side. However, both were frittered away by Sandeep Singh.
India today played youngster Khandranghan Kothajit, who surely played better than the established names.
The visitors scored their third goal through Craig Haley (3-0, 55th min).
Chief coach Michael Nobbs agreed the team did not jell well, the midfield play was not good enough.
“On the other hand I compliment South Africa for their fine game today”, he conceded.
The penultimate, fourth match of the series will be played tomorrow 17.00 hrs.