India fought long and hard to win the third hockey Test against world number one Australia, winning 3-2 in Raipur, but ultimately conceded the series after losing the penalty shooutout by the same scoreline.
After giving away late goals in each of their last two matches, India came out blazing and took an early lead in the 17th minute, after VK Raghunath scored from a penalty corner. Trent Mitton equalised for Australia in the 36th minute before Rupinder Pal Singh put India ahead again in the 41st minute. However, Mitton got his second for the night, making it 2-2 in the 53rd minute.
India finally managed to reverse their habit of conceding late goals by scoring one themselves in the 60th minute, Akashdeep Singh making no mistake.
However, when it came to the penalty shootout, India came heart-breakingly close before throwing it away. Australia converted all three of their attempts. Birender Lakra converted India's first attempt after which Amir Khan was fouled when he tried to take his shot. Raghunath converted the second stroke to make it 2-2.
Dharamvir Singh stepped up take the all important final attempt but was fouled again. Raghunath took another shot, but this time, the Australian keeper Tristan Clemons showed astute judgement to save and give Australia the series.
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