India beat Germany in second hockey Test

India defeated Germany 2-1 in the second hockey Test to level the three-match series 1-1, in Hyderabad, on Thursday.

India, having lost the first Test at Bombay by a solitary goal, brought the series alive with the win. The decider will be played at Madras on March 5.

Working in tandem, the Indian forwards penetrated the German defence often. Daljeet Singh Dillon put India ahead in the 21st minute, converting a penalty-corner.

Tajbir Singh increased the lead in the 57th minute of the second half from a field goal.

In the very next minute, German forward Justus Scharowsky deftly netted the ball to reduce the margin.

India coach Cedric D'Souza said it was a "hard-fought" victory and promised that his boys would continue with their form and give an even better performance in the third and final Test at Madras.

"It was a hard-fought win and I am satisfied with the performance," an elated D'Souza said in his post-match press briefing.

"Still there are some grey areas to fend. We have been losing positions at the most crucial stages. This should be taken care of in the next match," he said.

German coach Bernhard Peters also gave full credit to the Indians. "They were better and much stronger today," he said.

"The Indian forwards did well while one of our penalty-corners hit the post and a couple of reverse flicks went wide," he said.