Rio 2016: Indian women's hockey team thrashed by Australia 6-1

The Indian women's hockey team dished out a disappointing and disheartening performance during their third fixture at the Rio Olympics on Wednesday, 10 August. After an inspiring performance against Japan and a good show against Great Britain, the Indian women's hockey team fell by the wayside against Australia. They suffered a 1-6 defeat to a rampaging Australia.

The Indians, playing in the Olympics after a gap of 36 years, were simply outplayed by the higher-ranked Australians who exposed the defensive frailties of their opponents with a comprehensive win in a lop-sided match. India never looked comfortable during the match.

Jodie Kenny struck twice (43rd and 46th minute) while Kathryn Slattery (5th), Georgina Morgan (9th), Jane Claxton (35th), Georgina Parker (36th) scored once each to route the Indians. For India, Thokchom Anuradha scored the lone goal with just 8.3 seconds left on the clock.

The Australians, who were the 2014 World Cup losing finalists, laid seize of the Indian 25-yard with waves of attacking runs and forced seven penalty corners from which they scored four times.

India got just one penalty corner throughout the match. They failed to convert it. The Indian attack could barely string an effort on goal. had it not been for goalkeeper Savita Punia, the margin of defeat might have been larger.

India are now bottom of Pool B with one draw and two losses from three matches. India have two matches left to play - against Argentina and United States - with both must-win matches.

- With inputs from PTI