Hockey: Couzins' late strike earns draw with India

The Black Caps kept their hopes alive of clinching the series in tomorrow's decider. Photo / Getty Images.

A late goal from defender Dean Couzins enabled New Zealand to draw 1-1 with India in the third men's hockey test in Auckland today.

Black Sticks co-captain Couzins found his target with just seconds remaining when he skilfully picked up a free hit from Phil Burrows to push home from close range.

His strike kept the series alive entering tomorrow's fourth and final match, with India leading the series 1-0 after winning the second international after the first ended in a draw last week in Wellington.

Today, New Zealand worked hard to get back on level terms after conceding a first-half goal and responded well to coach Shane McLeod's calls for increased ball speed and tempo.

They were awarded three corners in the second half while India earned none, but Indian goalkeeper Bajit Singh was outstanding, making several crucial saves, including a strong Richard Petherick drag flick and cracking reverse follow up shot on the rebound by Simon Child.

India scored their goal against the run of play in the 13th minute when a New Zealand defensive error allowed Shivendra Singh into the circle where he made no mistake nailing home a waist-high shot.

Indian dominated the first half, employing a fast breaking counter attack, particularly after their goal which gave them confidence.

Nick Wilson went close to equalising just before halftime when he picked up an aerial pass from Joel Baker.

Wilson got a stick to the ball but could not gain control of the difficult pass and pushed it over the top of the goal.

- NZPA