It was his home ground. Michael Nobbs would have thought of having some good fun on it, and thus provide his wards — whom he trained till he left for India – some sweet memories. But it was not to be on Monday when India opened its tour of Australia. At Rockingham Club turf, Nobbs’ home turf, Indian national went down tamely to Australian A team.

Watched by the senior team and its entire coaching staff including Ric Charlesworth, the young Australians ripped apart India in the second half with fast counter attacks that almost ended up moving the scoreboard.

Australia took lead early on (7th min) even as India was struggling to have a feel of turf. After missing a handful of chances, thanks to excellent midfield works by Sardar Singh and defender VR Raghunath, the Australia’s second team conceded a goal to India. It was India’s penalty corner, Rupinder Pal putting it across.

Couple of minutes earlier, Sandeep Singh, who took India’s second penalty corner, was hit nasty on nose, and had to be taken off from the ground. He could not play the entire match thereafter.

New star Yuvraj Walmiki was very fast, though mention must be made of his cross, that was not connected by Danish Mujtaba.

Once Nobbs introduced Bharat Chhikara in the right wing, attack got further flip, what with Tushar often proving to be a thorn in the Australian flesh. One of his shot just missed the post.

After conceding a penalty corner in the 21st minute, India made amends with countless attacks. As a result, it earned as many as four penalty corners in five minutes between 22nd and 28th minutes.

Raghunath missed the first, Sandeep the second – and got injured, while Rupinder scored the equalizer after missing out the PC No. 3.

Even as injured Sandeep was being taken out from the sidelines, India equalized with that.

Change of sides saw change of fortunes as well. Jacob Whetton, one of the five senior players in the side, surprised Bharat Chetri with a reverse hand shot from the top of the circle. ITwas goal No 2-1.

Then it was the turn of Matt Ghodes to increase the tally, before Tom Wickham se the last nail in the Indian coffin.

When trailing 1-4, India got a couple of chances to reduce themargin, including its sixth penalty corner, which came after Rajpal’s cross hit a forward, but Rupinder’s long, delayed drag posed no threat to Clemans, the goalie.

By and large, it was not the type of opener any coach would have liked to, but for a team that showed rustiness in every department, the result was not surprising.