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The Kookaburras kick-started their Hockey World Cup campaign with a 5-2 drubbing of host nation India in New Delhi on Tuesday. Pre-tournament favourites Australia brushed aside their opening round 3-2 loss to England as they swept aside India in front of a sell-out crowd of 19,000 at the Dhyan Chand National Stadium.
The Kookaburras, watched from the stands by visiting Australian foreign minister Stephen Smith, ran up a 3-0 lead by the 26th minute and pumped in two more goals despite Jamie Dwyer missing a penalty stroke.
Australia’s Dwyer said beating India was “a relief” after losing to England.
“It was good to play the way we normally play,” the striker said.
“I think we played brilliant hockey in the first 20 minutes. It was important to score early goals.”
India’s Spanish coach Jose Brasa admitted Australia deserved to win.
“They were in a different league as far as fitness and speed were concerned,” said Brasa. “We also conceded at least two goals due to stupid faults.
“The team needs to learn from its mistakes and play aggressive hockey in future games.”
Australia’s next match is on Thursday against South Africa – the only team in group B yet to record a win.
England remain top of group B after defeating South Africa 6-4 in a high-scoring thriller, while Pakistan bagged their first points in the tournament after losing their opening matches.
Abdul Haseem scored once in each half as Pakistan, stung by the 1-4 defeat to arch-rivals India on Sunday, recovered to beat Olympic silver-medallists Spain 2-1.
England emerged group B leaders with six points from two matches, while Australia, India, Pakistan and Spain were lying in second spot with three points each.
Two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals.
European champions England edged past the South Africans in a game where both sides suffered defensive lapses.
Richard Mantell scored two penalty corners, while Rob Moore, Ashley Jackson, Nick Catlin and Iain Mackay chipped in with a goal each for England.
Marvin Harper scored twice for South Africa, and Lloyd Norris-Jones and Thornton McDade netted one each.
It was the first time in World Cup history that England pumped in six goals in a single match. They had scored five against Pakistan in 1998, but still lost the match as their rivals netted seven.
“Scoring six goals means a lot and I am happy with the win, but we were not consistent enough,” said England captain Barry Middleton.
“We should have played well throughout the 70 minutes, but we did not do that. Our defence was not up to the mark.
“We have a tough game against Pakistan on Thursday and really need to work on our game,” he added.
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