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AAP
AAP

Hockeyroos prepare for Dutch showdown after India win

Tatum Stewart scored her second goal in two games as the Hockeyroos beat India in the Pro League. (Brenton Edwards/AAP PHOTOS)

The Hockeyroos have enjoyed the perfect preparation for their showdown with the world No.1 Netherlands, easing to a 3-0 win over hosts India at the FIH Pro League in Bhubaneswar.

Less than 24 hours after disposing of the USA by the same scoreline, two goals in four second-quarter minutes put Australia in control and denied India their first win on home soil this year.

After an even first quarter, Grace Stewart put the Hockeyroos ahead on 19 minutes, firing the ball home following a lightning break and some unselfish approach work from Kaitlin Nobbs.

Tatum Stewart made it 2-0 shortly afterwards, making the most of a penalty corner to score for the second time in two games and double her tally for the national side.

India took heart when Australia were reduced in number following a yellow card to Dayle Dolkens in the third quarter, but instead it was the Hockeyroos who increased their lead.

Nobbs went through one-on-one with India keeper Bichu Devi Kharibam and proved too crafty as she fired the world No.2 side 3-0 ahead.

The last two days have signalled a return to form for Australia after an opening-match loss to China, and now the dominant Dutch await.

"It's definitely good to get back-to-back wins on the board, we were disappointed with that first game against China," Grace Stewart said.

"To come out and have two solid performances, we're very happy but we know we have a lot to work on."

The Hockeyroos have a day's break before facing the unbeaten Olympic-champion Netherlands in a highly anticipated clash between the world's top two teams.

"It's always a challenge, and that's what we're here for - to play the best teams and make sure we're preparing for the Olympics as well as we can," Stewart said.

"It's going to be tough, but we always step up ... we love these games against them."

Tatum Stewart, named player of the match against India, was confident the Hockeyroos could continue their fine run of form.

"If we can keep improving like we have over these past two games we're going to stick it to them for sure," she said.

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