Kookaburras crush Ireland, Pro League hosts India await

Jeremy Hayward was on target for the Kookaburras as they demolished Ireland 5-0 in India.

The Kookaburras have tuned up for a Pro League date with in-form hosts India by dismantling plucky Ireland 5-0 to make it two straight wins to begin the Olympic year.

Coach Colin Batch benched more than 1000 caps of experience for the clash with the Pro League newcomers, all-time games record-holder Eddie Ockenden and game one goal-scorers Lachlan Sharp, Blake Govers and Jake Whetton all on the sidelines in Bhubaneswar.

The depth test was a success though, Tom Craig scoring once and setting up another while Jeremy Hayward’s drag flick rocketed into the top corner as Australia raced to a 3-0 lead inside 25 minutes.

Nathan Ephraums scored a brilliant solo goal before Ky Wilmott slotted his second of the match in the final quarter, Australia able to slowly pick apart Ireland’s deeply set defence.

Cairns-born 22-year-old Jayden Atkinson made the most of his midfield minutes to control the contest, while goalkeeper Andrew Charter was rarely called into action in a win that followed the Kookaburras’ series-opening 4-3 triumph over Spain.

“When you have a big squad on tour it’s a balancing act making sure everyone has minutes,” Craig said.

“We know in Olympic year, any year, it takes the full squad members to have a good result.

“With that many caps on the sideline, it’s a good testament to who we have stepping up.”

Australia will face India on Thursday, the red-hot hosts beating the table-topping Netherlands in a shoot-out – the Dutch powerhouse’s only loss from seven games – and trouncing Spain 4-1 on Sunday.

“There’s nothing quite like playing India in India, it’s one of life’s great treats … we hope the crowd comes out in force because there’s nothing quite like it,” Craig said.

The Hockeyroos’ (2-2) face China (4-1) later on Wednesday night (AEDT) in Rourkela, before backing up against the USA  (0-5) a day later.