Indian hockey team go down 2-6 to Australia

Indian women failed to get the measure of Australia and surrendered 2-6 in the Four Nations hockey tournament at Essen, Germany on Sunday.

After holding hosts Germany to a draw in their opening fixture Friday, the Indian women failed to get their act together against World No.5 Australia, for whom 29-year-old striker Megan Rivers struck four goals, including a hat-trick, to give her country a 3-1 lead at half time.

Rivers converted a penalty corner in the 20th minute before striking goals at the 22nd, 37th and  51st minutes. Nicole Arrold (7th minute, penalty corner) and Madonna Blyth (49th minute) were other goal scorers for Australia.

For India, Deepika Thakur (18th minute, penalty corner) and Saba Anjum (46th minute) were on target.

India also squandered seven penalty corners to Australia's five.

Ireland lost 1-3 to Germany in another match.