Indian women lose to Australia 2-6

After holding Germany to a draw in their opening fixture, Indian women caved in tamely to Australia, suffering a 2-6 defeat in the four-nation Hockey tournament at Essen in Germany on Sunday.

India failed to produce Saturday's impressive show against world number four Germany and were outplayed by the Australians who are fifth in FIH rankings.

The Indians India earned seven penalty corners from which they converted only one while Australia got five.

For Australia who led 3-1 at half time, striker Megan Rivers (20th, 22nd, 37th and 51st) struck four goals, including a hat-trick, at the ETUF Ground.

Other Australian goal scorers were Nicole Arrold (7th) and Madonna Blyth (49th).

For India, Deepika Thakur (18th) and Saba Anjum (46th) were on target.

India will play their last league game against Ireland, who lost 1-3 to Germany in another match.