The Hindu: Birmingham: In torrential rain at the University of Birmingham, India went down 1-3 to England in the first of the three hockey Tests on Wednesday. England led 2-1 at half-time.

England got off to a perfect start with a goal inside 60 seconds by veteran Ben Hawes. India soon levelled the score when Dhanjauya Mahadik deflected in a penalty corner.

England surged ahead through a lovely diving goal by Barry Middleton from a hit by James Tindall. However, India re-asserted itself after that but missed a few chances. England scored again in the closing minutes when Smith flicked in a rebound from goalkeeper Adrian. The teams meet again for the second Test on Friday.

The result: England 3 (Ben Hawes, Barry Middleton, Richard Smith) bt India 1 (Mahadik).