RAJNANDGAON (CHATTISGARH): Drag-flicker scored two goals to help India settle for a 2-2 draw against world champions Australia in the first hockey Test of the three-match series, here today.
The series has been oraganised as a preparation for both the teams ahead of Hero Hockey World League Finals to be held in Raipur from November 27 to December 6.
Raghunath slammed two goals for the hosts in the 28th and 43rnd minute, while Australia salvaged the draw riding on an early goal by Dylan Wotherspoon (9th) and a late strike strike by penalty corner specialist Chris Ciriello (58th).
Today’s match also marked Chhattisgarh’s first-ever exposure to an international hockey match. The remaining two Tests of the series match will be played on November 22 and 23 at the recently inaugurated Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel International Hockey Stadium in Raipur, which wil host the HWL Final.
World leaders Australia drew the first blood through a field goal from Wotherspoon in the ninth minute.
Stunned by the early goal from the visitors and that too in front of a packed home crowd, India showed more purpose and pressed hard for the eqauliser. (AGENCIES)
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