U18 hockey series: India men hold Australia 3-3 in the fourth match to share series 1-1

The India U18 men's hockey team drew 3-3 with Australia in the final match of the series, sharing the spoils 1-1 in the four-match series.

Gritty India U18 men's hockey team held its Australian counterparts to a commendable 3-3 draw in the fourth and final match of the series here on Wednesday.

India and Australia thus shared the spoils in the four-match series 1-1.

At the SAI Centre here, India started strongly and scored two early goals, courtesy of Karan Gautam (10'), who converted a penalty corner in the 10th minute, followed by a field goal from Ben Siddharth (14').

However, Australia fought back and equalised in the second quarter.

Jet Johnstone (18', 25') scored a crucial brace to bring Australia level by half-time.

After a closely fought third quarter, India regained the lead thanks to a field goal by captain Ketan Kushwaha (40').

India did their best to defend the advantage, but Australia found another equaliser late in the game as Andrew Faulds (57') scored a field goal with just three minutes remaining.

Earlier, the India U18 women's side produced a dominant display to defeat Australia 4-1 in the fourth and final match of the series.