India struggle to beat South Africa in second hockey Test

India hockey coach Michael Nobbs was unimpressed with the team’s 2-1 win against South Africa in the second of the five-Test Karbonn Cup series at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium here Tuesday.

A late strike from Sandeep Singh from a penalty corner in the 68th minute saved the day for India, who had thrashed South Africa 4-0 in the first match here Monday.

The hosts took the lead in the 33rd minute through Chingelsana Singh and Australia equalised in the second half through Lance Louw in the 43rd minute.

Nobbs fielded a completely new side with nine changes in the starting eleven. The new combination struggled but managed to win against a vastly improved South African team.

Missed passes and poor trapping typified India’s performance in the second game, leaving Nobbs with more questions than answers ahead of next month’s London Olympic qualifiers that would be held here Feb 18-26.

Nobbs was forthright in admitting that his boys were not thorough with their game.

“I admit we were poor in trapping and passing. We were not thorough with our game. That is the reason why I want to give opportunities to all the boys. Today I made nine changes in the team and statistics showed that in the first half they enjoyed more ball possession in our half,” said Nobbs.

India struggled due to lack of coordinated moves in the midfield. They tried to attack through the flanks and Mandeep Antil was impressive on the right.

For senior player Tushar Khandekar, it was a memorable win as he led the team to victory in his 200th international match. “We have to try out new combinations in this series,” he said.

Nobbs also said that though most of the players who played Tuesday have lot of experience, they haven’t played together.

“This particular combination hasn’t played much. I am trying to create a base for Indian hockey by giving the players as many chances as I can and also make sure that we don’t lose too many matches,” he said.

Asked about role of Sandeep, who played both in the attack and defence, Nobbs said: “We have been trying this thing in Australia as well. We have to rotate players and that is what Australians do. Sandeep is a versatile player. He has worked very hard on his game.”