A fired-up England has stunned Australia at the hockey World Cup in India with a 3-2 victory over the pre-tournament favourites.

Two goals from James Tindall ensured England sealed their first win over the Kookaburras in 34 years as the competition's opening day got off to a dramatic start. 

Australian captain Jamie Dwyer scored twice, including a penalty stroke, but Jason Lee's European champions played outstanding hockey to rattle their fancied opponents.

England had last beaten Australia at the 1975 World Cup in Malaysia, before losing seven straight games in the sport's showpiece tournament.

Dwyer's stroke in the 23rd minute put Australia ahead, but England drew level two minutes later through a penalty corner by Ashley Jackson.

Tindall then scored on either side of the break as England led 3-1 until four minutes from time when Dwyer narrowed the margin with a field goal.

Australia's Glenn Turner wasted two good chances near the end, while England's protest against a penalty corner being awarded to the Kookaburras in the last minute was upheld by the video umpire.

Australia paid dearly for converting just one of their 13 penalty corners in the match.

Australia and England are drawn in group B alongside Spain, South Korea, India and Pakistan, with two teams advancing to the semi-finals.

Earlier in the day Olympic silver-medallists Spain beat South Africa 4-2.