Oltmans rues India's defensive lapses

Oltmans wasn't satisfied with India's defence against Australia, who scored four field goals. "On the other end, we had a few chances that we failed to convert," added the Indian coach.

Roelant Oltmans fielded several youngsters to assess them ahead of the Rio Olympics.

India coach Roelant Oltmans was disappointed with his defenders in the team’s 1-5 loss to world champions Australia in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, here today. The Indian defence crumbled under the impact of Australia’s robust raids in the round-robin encounter.

“Australia scored four times from five circle penetrations, which does not reflect well on our defence,” said Oltmans.

Our defenders didn’t gel well: Oltmans

Blake Govers opened the scoring for Australia with a fifth minute penalty corner conversion, but India shot back to equalise within three minutes through Rupinder Pal Singh’s low drag flick from its first penalty corner.

After that it was a one-way traffic with Australia pumping four field goals to expose the Indian defence. Jacob Whetton (13th minute), Eddie Okkenden (20th), Simon Orchard (25th) and Matt Ghodes (53rd) scored goals, while Indians failed to convert a few chances that came its way.

“I am not satisfied with the performance today. Our defenders did not gel well,” said Oltmans.

“On the other end, we had a few chances that we failed to convert,” said the Indian coach, who fielded several youngsters to assess them ahead of the Rio Olympics.

We did not create many chances: Knowles

Australian captain Mark Knowles too was not very pleased with the way his team played.

“The scoreline is flattering, but not our game today,” said Knowles, whose team is seeking to extend their eight-title record at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup and reclaim the title they lost to New Zealand last year.

“We did not create as many chances as we do in most matches,” said Knowles, “India had equal number of opportunities, but our finishing was better.”