Defending champions Australia outplayed India 5-2 but world number four England had to be content with a 1-1 draw against Canada in Commonwealth Games hockey here on Thursday. Australia, who beat India by the same margin at this very venue during a World Cup match early this year, seized the initiative by slamming in two goals inside the first 10 minutes through strikers Des Abbott and Trent Mitton.
Indian forward Dharamvir Singh made it 2-1 with a powerful drive into the Australian goal in the 12th minute of the Pool A tie after a spectacular, mazy run on the left. Pool B saw Canada's young custodian Antoni Kindler frustrate England with his superlative display under the bar.