Kookaburras triumph over India in nine goal thriller
Published Sat 26 Nov 2022
The Kookaburras and India have turned on a classic as a Blake Govers late show secured a thrilling 5-4 win for the hosts in the first of the 5-match series in Adelaide.
Govers struck twice in the last three minutes, his 118th international goal in his 129th appearance determining the result in the final act of the game as the Kookaburras had one final chance to win it from a penalty corner.
In an entertaining end to end affair for the Kookaburras’ first match since the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medal match where they defeated India 7-0, it did not take long for the Australians to find their groove.
Tom Craig, returning for his first international match since July when he featured in a cameo against the Netherlands prior to the Commonwealth Games, was instrumental.
First, he produced a marauding run up the middle of the pitch in the 5th minute before feeding a flying Lachi Sharp who rifled an unstoppable reverse stick strike into the top corner from just inside the attacking circle.
The goal was a welcome return for Sharp who was featuring on the international stage for the first time since the Tokyo Olympics.
India’s response was swift as striker Akashdeep Singh scored the first of his three goals in the 10th minute.
Another sublime run and assist from Craig down the left allowed Nathan Ephraums to restore the Kookaburras’ lead in the 21st minute.
However the lead was short lived again as Akashdeep Singh bobbed up to score his second and make it 2-2 heading into half time.
Indian captain and reigning FIH World Player of the Year Harmanpreet Singh gave the visitors the lead for the first time a minute into the second half from a penalty corner.
Craig then had a hand in winning the Kookaburras a penalty corner following some fancy work in the circle from Jake Whetton, and from the resultant set piece Australia restored parity.
Govers’ drag flick was saved by Sreejesh and Craig was quick to pounce, controlling the ball before sending a rapid reverse stick effort into the back of the net to make it 3-3.
With the stage set up for a thrilling finale, both teams did not disappoint as first Govers struck with a trademark drag flick with three minutes to go in what appeared to be the winner.
But India and Akashdeep had other ideas as he secured his hat-trick when he was found unmarked at the far post to level it up again with 60 seconds remaining.
Surging for a late winner, the Kookaburras were given one final opportunity with a penalty corner on the stroke of full time. After having his first attempt blocked, Govers was given another opportunity as the umpire blew for another penalty corner and the Kookaburras’ number 13 aptly obliged with a tracer bullet to seal a memorable victory.
“I think it was probably everything you could ask for,” said a delighted Craig post match.
“We have five matches before the World Cup and to be pushed to the end, see nine goals scored…I think that’s what everyone in Adelaide wants to see.”
“It’s so nice to get back around the boys and build the connections…that’s what these games are about.”
Match 2 of the series is at the same time tomorrow with Eddie Ockenden to play his 400th international.
Match Details
Kookaburras 5 (Sharp 5’, Ephraums 21’, Craig 41’, Govers 57’/60+’)
India 4 (Akashdeep Singh 10’/27’/59’, Harmanpreet Singh 31’)
@ MATE Stadium, Adelaide
Kookaburras: 1.Lachlan Sharp, 2.Tom Craig, 4.Jake Harvie, 5.Tom Wickham, 6.Matthew Dawson, 7.Nathan Ephraums, 9.Jacob Anderson, 10.Josh Beltz, 11.Eddie Ockenden, 12.Jake Whetton, 13.Blake Govers, 14.Dylan Martin, 16.Tim Howard, 17.Aran Zalewski (c), 18.Ben Rennie (gk), 20.Ky Willott, 32.Jeremy Hayward
Unused substitute: 8.Johan Durst (gk)
Kookaburras v India Series
MATE Stadium, Adelaide
Match 1 - Saturday 26 November (4.00pm local time, 4.30pm AEDT)
Match 2 - Sunday 27 November (4.00pm local time, 4.30pm AEDT)
Match 3 - Wednesday 30 November (6.30pm local time, 7.00pm AEDT)
Match 4 - Saturday 3 December (4.00pm local time, 4.30pm AEDT)
Match 5 - Sunday 4 December (4.00pm local time, 4.30pm AEDT)
Ticketing details: Available now through Ticketek
Broadcast: LIVE on FOX Sports, Kayo and livestreamed on LIVEHockey. The matches will also be streamed globally on Watch.Hockey (geo blocked in Australia and India). In India the matches will be shown on Star Sports First, Star Sports Select 1.
