The world number one ranked side produced a battling 3-2 display to leapfrog hosts The Netherlands into first place at the BH & BC Breda.

The result boosts Australia's hopes of qualifying for the final as the top two teams will battle it out for the last Men's Champions Trophy crown.

Australia began brightly and took the lead through Lachlan Sharp's close-range finish before Varun Kumar equalised for India shortly after.

The world champions went back in front thanks to Tom Craig’s scrappy goal and Trent Mitton then scored his third of the tournament to give Australia a two-goal lead.

The deficit proved insurmountable for India, although they did halve the deficit when Harmanpreet Singh slammed home a penalty corner two minutes from time.

"As usual it was tough against India, they are very quick and super skilful," said Australia’s Jeremy Edwards.

"We got a bit further ahead just after half time but we couldn’t quite put them away and they came on really strong towards the end.

"In a tournament like this where every game is so vital, a draw in that match would have really opened things up so the win really helps us."

The competition is due to continue tomorrow as Olympic champions Argentina take on Pakistan, India play Belgium and Australia entertain the hosts.

At the Hockey Series event in Singapore, part of the qualification pathway for Tokyo 2020, Malaysia's women recorded their fourth straight win as they beat Thailand 4-0.

Kazakhstan were also among the winners as they defeated Hong Kong 3-0, while hosts Singapore thrashed Indonesia 7-0.

Singapore retained top spot in the men's round-robin group by claiming their fourth consecutive victory with a 6-2 success against Hong Kong.

Thailand edged Myanmar 4-3 and Chinese Taipei crushed Indonesia 9-0.