The Kookaburras took an early lead courtesy of a sixth minute field goal by Dylan Wotherspoon at the Kalinga Stadium.

The visitors domination continued in the second quarter as they doubled their lead in the 18th minute through a Tom Wickham field goal.

In an action packed third quarter India reduced the deficit in the 36th minute courtesy of a penalty corner from Raj Kumar Pal, which made the score 2-1.

Five minutes later the Aussies restored their two goal advantage courtesy of a field goal from player of the match Lachlan Sharp.

A minute later Australia scored again with a field goal from Jacob Anderson making it 4-1 and giving the visitors a three goal cushion.

Into the fourth quarter and India's fightback started in the 47th minute when Kumar Pal scored a field goal to make it 4-2.

Five minutes later and it was game right back on as a penalty corner from Rupinder Singh made it 4-3 with eight minutes to go.

A remarkable comeback was almost completed in the final minute but Rupinder Singh's penalty corner went wide, sealing a hard earned three points for Australia which moves them up to third place in the Pro League overall.

Speaking after the match Australia's Lachlan Sharp said he was “definitely disappointed” with the final quarter, but was pleased with the overall performance which he said showed the strength and depth of Australia's squad.

Meanwhile, India's captain Manpreet Singh said he was 'disappointed' with the start, but impressed at the fighting qualities of his side, which he hopes will serve them well ahead of Sunday's second meeting between the two sides, also in Bhubaneswar.

In the overall Pro League standings, Belgium are top with 14 points, ahead of The Netherlands on 11, with Australia third on nine points and India in fourth with eight points.