Perth, 13 April (HS). In the fifth and final match of the five-match Test series, the Indian men's hockey team suffered a close 2-3 defeat against Australia. Harmanpreet Singh (4′) and Bobby Singh Dhami (53′) scored for India, while Jeremy Hayward (20′), K Willott (38′) and Tim Brand (39′) were the goal scorers for Australia. With this defeat, the Indian team could not register a single win in five matches and Australia made a clean sweep and won the series 5-0.
In the opening quarter, India started with a focused approach to retain ball possession and dictate the pace of the game. This strategy enabled him to break through the Australian defense several times, earning consecutive penalty corners. Captain Harmanpreet Singh took advantage of the second chance in the fourth minute of the match and gave India the lead by scoring a brilliantly grounded shot with accuracy and pace.
As they regained the lead, India stepped up their offensive pressure, constantly testing Australia's defence. This ultimately helped the visiting team maintain their 1-0 lead at the end of the first quarter.
At the start of the second quarter, India took an aggressive approach with the aim of increasing their lead and maintaining dominance over Australia. Nevertheless, the home team managed to earn a penalty corner in the 20th minute, which their in-form player Jeremy Hayward took advantage of and scored to give Australia a 1–1 draw.
With the scores tied, Australia stepped up their attacking efforts, continuously putting pressure on India and creating several chances, although they were unsuccessful and the teams remained tied 1–1 at the half-time whistle.
Australia took advantage of their counter-attacking opportunities in the third quarter, with Kay Willott (38') and Tim Brand (39') scoring two field goals in the space of a minute to give the hosts a comfortable 3–1 lead.
Trying to make a comeback, India increased their intensity against Australia, applying constant pressure and quick passes. Their efforts bore fruit when Bobby Singh Dhami scored his first international goal in the 53rd minute to make the score 3-2 and in the end this score proved to be decisive. With this victory, Australia won the five-match series 5-0.