Liam Sanford scored his first international goal but it was the dragflicking of Harmanpreet Singh which saw India across the line as the hosts came out 4-3 winners in this latest Men’s Pro League clash in Bhubaneswar.
With Saturday’s game ending 3-3 – India taking the extra points in the shoot-out – England were good value to take something away from Odisha. One point from six was a touch harsh.
Following Sanford’s deflected opener in the first quarter, skipper Manpreet Singh levelled a few minutes later.
Two quick-fire goals from Harmanpreet – including his 100th strike – put India in the driving seat. But again England dug deep, with David Condon scoring via a touch from a PC to make it 3-2.
And when Harmanpreet made it 4-2, England found resolve as Sam Ward rifled down the line from a PC. The hostst, however, couldn’t find a telling touch at the death.
On Saturday, India beat England in a shoot-out after both sides were locked 3-3.
Abhishek, Shamsher Singh and Harmanpreet Singh were the goal scorers for India, while England scored through Nick Bandurak’s double and Sam Ward, who levelelled at the death in the 60th minute, via a penalty stroke.
England led in the shoot-out but were pegged back, while Ward had a stroke ruled out on referral.
Match 1: England were leading 1-0, and should have won the game. England were leading in the shootout too. Should have had more out of that game.
Match 2: England were leading again 1-0, and should have built the lead. The number of easy PCs that India got, is something England can work on in the next 6-7 months before the World Cup in Jan’23.
Travelling to Bhubaneswar for just 2 matches & then back home isn’t ideal preparation for there World Cup. Also, there are no direct flights from London to Bhubaneswar, so it must be a 24 hour journey from home (in England) to hotel (in Bhubaneswar).