Aran Zalewski marks 250th Kookaburras appearance with 5-1 win over India

Margaret River’s Aran Zalewski marked his 250th Kookaburras appearance with a 5-1 win over India at Perth Hockey Stadium on Saturday. After entering the turf with baby Margot in tow, the 33-year-old midfielder was one of his side’s best as they took an early lead in the five-Test series as part of the Perth International Festival of Hockey. Tim Brand opened the scoring for the home side in the third minute but Zalewski was critical in the set-up for the second goal, making a decisive defensive intervention which sprung a counter-attack that saw Tom Wickham double the advantage. Speaking after the game, Zalewski said the gravity of the milestone did not descend on him until he entered the turf to a raucous reception from a stand temporarily named in his honour. “Before the game, you don’t want to think about it too much but it’s hard not to get caught up in it,” Zalewski said. “To celebrate it with family and friends here and to have my own stand, I think it’ll be the first and only time I have one of those, I’m embracing it and I’m very grateful and loving it. I’m just full of gratitude and joy.” The Kookaburras came from behind to win the second game of the series 4-2 on Sunday and picked up a 2-1 victory in the third game on Wednesday, with Dardanup’s Jake Harvie also featuring in the contests. Tickets to the International Festival of Hockey are available through INTIX and all Kookaburras and Hockeyroos games are streaming live and free on 7plus.