Hindustan Times: India wasted a number of chances to go down 1-3 in the first of the three hockey test matches against England at the University of Birmingham stadium. Amidst torrential rain late on Wednesday night, England weathered a second-half resurgence from India thanks to some good work by goalkeeper James Fair and some poor efforts by the Indians.
Ben Hawes (1st minute), Barry Middleton (18th) and Richard Smith (68th) scored for the hosts, while midfielder Dhananjay Mahadik (8th) reduced the margin for India off their first penalty corner.
England got off to a perfect start with a goal inside 60 seconds when Ben Hawes’ effort went in off Ajitesh Roy’s stick.
Two minutes later England earned their first of 10 penalty corners but Ashley Jackson’s effort was well charged down by first runner Vikram Pillay.
India recovered soon and responded in kind, earning their first penalty corner six minutes later. Gurwinder Singh Chandi’s pass found its way to Dhananjay Mahadik, courtesy VS Vinaya’s dummy, and the Indian army soldier flicked it powerfully across James Fair and inside the post to make it 1-1.
However, England took the lead again in the 18th minute off their fourth penalty corner. James Tindall shot powerfully from the top of the circle but after hitting the stick of first runner Pillay the ball went off the side deep in Indian territory. England skipper Barry Middleton seized the opportunity when the ball had ricocheted off Sandeep Singh’s stick and landed near the goal.
With goalkeeper Adrian D’Souza struggling to regain position, the England skipper swept home while lying prone on the ground. The slippery conditions made things difficult.