Kookaburras Survive Indian Scare in Azlan Shah Opener

Australia has won its first match at the 2013 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh, Malaysia, edging India 4-3.

The Kookaburras cruised to a 3-0 lead early in the second half, before India capitalised on some sloppy Australian defence, to erase the arrears to one goal.

The Australians would manage to keep their nose ahead, courtesy of goals to Matt Gohdes (2), Glenn Simpson and AIS-WAIS athlete Trent Mitton, but will be thankful to have escaped with victory.

Despite the nervy performance, the Kookaburras outfit features a youthful core, with coach Ric Charlesworth blooding a number of debutants as the world number 2 looks to continue its position of solidarity into the future.

The Australian squad contains WAIS scholarship holders Chris Bausor, Craig Boyne, Aran Zalewski as well as goal scorer Mitton.

In other matches, Pakistan recorded a 4-3 win over reigning champion New Zealand, whilst hosts Malaysia defeated South Korea 3-2.