The Hockeyroos have produced a gritty performance to secure a character-filled come-from-behind 3-2 victory over a vastly improved India at MATE Stadium in Adelaide.
In a night of firsts, Tatum Stewart's first two international goals either side of Pippa Morgan's maiden Hockeyroos strike on her 25th birthday in just her second game saw the Australians stave off a resurgent India.
The result gives the Hockeyroos an unassailable two-nil lead in the series ahead of Sunday's third and final match.
India commanded the early exchanges but it was the Hockeyroos who struck first when Stewart rifled a well-executed drag flick into the backboard in the 12th minute.
However, the lead lasted barely a minute as Sangita Kumari finished off a sweetly worked team move to score her second goal of the series and draw India level.
The Indians had their tails up and in the 17th minute they went ahead when Gurjit Kaur sent a drag flick into the top corner that gave Bartram no chance.
The Hockeyroos were being forced into uncharacteristic turnovers, however they defended astutely to go into halftime just a goal down.
A 38th minute Hockeyroos penalty corner had the hosts back on level terms when a well-rehearsed routine had Morgan expertly deflect the ball into the back of the net.
The goal gave the Hockeyroos a spark as they lifted their urgency and intensity and they were rewarded when the umpire signalled a penalty stroke for an infringement in the circle from a penalty corner.
Stewart stepped up and clinically converted the stroke to make it 3-2 and set up a tense final 15 minutes.
India went to a full press and surged forward to try to stay in the series, forcing the inexperienced Hockeyroos to demonstrate all their composure.
"It was really exciting, especially as a defender," said Stewart, who was named player of the match.
"When you have opportunities to score on the top of the circle you really have to make the most of them, so it was great to score a couple."
