KUALA LUMPUR: Australia took a step closer to the final by beating Britain 3-1 in hockey's Sultan of Johor Cup (SoJC) today.
At the Taman Daya Stadium, Cooper Burns scored a second minute goal for Australia before the skies opened up with torrential rain and thunderstorm stopped the match for an hour.
Australia are on nine points from three matches, and have India and South Africa to complete their fixtures.
The other Australian goals were scored by Joshua Brooks (18th) and Liam Hart (48th) while Ellis Robson replied for Britain in the 18th minute.
Australia coach Jay Stacy was not happy with the performance of his team even though they got maximum points.
"I'm not pleased with the way we played today. We were off form in many departments. We were only sharp in the semi-circle, and even though we have maximum points, we need to play much better in the remaining matches," he said.
India are a worry for Stacy.
"We will be playing a speedy and skilful India, and we need to play much better than how we fared against Britain to confirm our final spot," he said.
TOMORROW:
India v Australia (4.05pm), Malaysia v Britain (6.05pm), South Africa v Japan (8.35pm).
FRIDAY: Britain v India (4.05pm), Malaysia v Japan (6.05pm), Australia v South Africa (8.35pm).