Aussies whip India
in four-nation hockey

India began their campaign in the Four-nation hockey tournament in Adelaide, Australia, on a disastrous note, being thrashed 4-0 by the hosts on Thursday.

All the four goals were scored in the second half.

Michael McCann and Craig Victory scored within three minutes of each other shortly after half-time to put the Aussies high in the saddle.

Jeremy Hiskins made it 3-0 in the 61st minute before Robert Hammond completed the rout with a superb solo effort in the dying minutes of the match.

India controlled possession for the first 15 minutes but were rarely able to penetrate the Australian defence, content to pass the ball around in their own defensive half.

The Australians came out with increasd intensity and aggression in the second half and set up several good attacking opportunities.

Hammond's goal, just the second of his eight-game international career, was the highlight of the match. He won the ball in the midfield, guided it past two Indian opponents, and then went on a solo run into the attacking circle. His first shot on goal was saved by the keeper, but he won the ball back and struck it into the right side of the net.

Earlier, South Korea beat Malaysia 2-0.

Australia play the Koreans in their next game on Saturday while India take on Malaysia.