India hold Australia in Malaysia

World champions Australia were held to a 1-1 draw by India at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup on Sunday thanks to a superb defensive performance against a second-half onslaught from the world's leading team.

Both teams now have four points after a win and a draw, but the Indians have played a game more, losing to South Korea.

Just six months ago India were thrashed 0-8 by Australia in the Commonwealth Games final in New Delhi and Australian coach Ric Charlesworth said the result was disappointing.

"But I am not surprised... India played good hockey but I think we too were responsible as we did not take our chances," he said.

It was a resilient performance by India who had to absorb tremendous pressure in the second-half as the Australians pushed for victory after being pegged back from a 14th minute lead.

Australia created early opportunities with Glenn Turner and Jacob Whetton having good shots at goal saved by India's Adrian D'Souza.

The Aussies took the lead through Whetton, who scored with a field goal after dribbling into the D.

India had several chances but the best opportunity came in the 19th minute when Shivender Singh missed the final touch.

But Indian pressure paid off in the 23rd minute, equalising from their first penalty corner.

Rupinderpal Singh, who scored three penalty goals in the match against Britain, flicked home the ball for his fourth goal of the tournament.

Australia, the World Number one, responded by going on the offensive, dominating play for much of the second-half. But the Indians managed to hold out for the draw, ably clearing the ball from defence.

Both teams were unhappy with the umpiring claiming it was inconsistent and that decisions had gone against them.

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