Kuala Lumpur, April 7 (IANS) India were thumped 1-5 by Australia in a Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey match here on Thursday.
Blake Govers put Australia ahead in the fifth minute but India swiftly restored parity three minutes later through Rupinder Pal Singh.
But Australia then wrested the initiative and went on a scoring spree, netting in the 13th, 20th and 26th minutes to build a sizeable 4-1 lead and put the game to bed.
Jacob Whetton started the onslaught, assisted by Jamie Dwyer, tapping in from close range as Australia ended the first quarter 2-1 ahead.
Eddie Ockeden extended Australia's lead in the second quarter before Simon Orchard made it 4-1.
India were able to play out a goalless third quarter but Matt Gohdes completed India's humiliation with a fine diving effort in the last quarter.
India began their campaign with an underwhelming 2-1 win against Japan and their latest performance would hardly be inspiring.
They next take on Canada on Sunday.