England beat Australia in World Cup opener

England opened their World Cup campaign with a stunning 3-2 win over Australia in New Delhi.

Jamie Dwyer gave Australia the lead but Ashley Jackson levelled and James Tindall put the underdogs ahead before half-time.

Tindall then made it 3-1 and although Dwyer pulled one back, England held on to register their first win over the Kookaburras since 1985.

The victors were indebted to a superb display from goalkeeper James Fair, who pulled off a string of fantastic saves to hand England the points in the Group B clash.

Australia had 28 shots on target but could only find a way past Fair on two occasions.

England manager Andy Halliday was honest in his assessment afterwards, admitting his side had been a touch fortunate.

He said: "It was a fantastic result but the performance could have been so much better.

"I think it's a measure of how much this team has progressed that we can play poorly and beat Australia.

"James Fair and the penalty corner defence were outstanding. We'll certainly not get carried away just because we have won game one."