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India's hockey team faced a rude awakening in their recent five-Test series against Australia, losing 5-0 in Perth. The defeat exposed glaring weaknesses in the team, particularly in their inability to score field goals and their poor defensive work.Vice-captain Hardik Singh acknowledged the wake-up call, stating that the team had been under the illusion that they were performing well. He emphasized the need for constant alertness and proactivity in international hockey.The series against Australia, a team with a rich Olympic history, was crucial for India as they prepare for the Paris Olympics. However, instead of building on their strengths, the Kookaburras exploited India's weaknesses.India's forwards struggled to score field goals, managing only two in five matches. Hardik pointed out that the forwards need to work harder and be more aggressive in the opposition's 'D'.Defensively, India's man-to-man work was inadequate, and they failed to capitalize on counterattacks. The team's lack of consistency, due to constant chopping and changing, also contributed to their downfall.Despite the setback, Hardik expressed confidence that the team will not be affected mentally. He highlighted the importance of a positive mindset and the support of mental health expert Paddy Upton.India will face Australia again in their last group match at Paris, which could determine their qualification for the knockouts. Hardik emphasized the need for tactical improvement and a unified mindset to overcome the challenge.The team is currently in Antwerp, preparing for their remaining Pro League matches against Belgium, Argentina, Great Britain, and Germany. They are focused on getting back to winning ways and addressing their weaknesses before the Olympics.

The Indian men's hockey team displayed resilience in the fifth and final Test match against Australia in Perth, but ultimately fell short in a 2-3 defeat, resulting in a series whitewash.India started the match with determination, maintaining possession and earning penalty corners. Captain Harmanpreet Singh converted one of these opportunities in the fourth minute, giving India an early lead. The visitors continued to press, but Australia equalized through Jeremy Hayward in the 20th minute.In the second half, India's Abhishek missed a golden chance to extend their lead, while Australia capitalized on counterattacks. Ky Willott and Tim Brand scored in quick succession, giving the hosts a 3-1 advantage.Undeterred, India fought back in the final quarter. Boby Singh Dhami scored his first international goal in the 53rd minute, reducing the deficit to 3-2. However, despite their efforts, India could not find an equalizer, and Australia secured the victory.Despite the loss, India showed signs of improvement compared to the previous matches. They maintained possession better, created scoring opportunities, and defended with more determination. The team will look to build on these positives in future matches.

The Indian men's hockey team faced a narrow 1-2 defeat against Australia in the third match of their five-match Test series in Perth. Despite a valiant effort, India's lone goal by Jugraj Singh (41') was overshadowed by Jeremy Hayward's brace (44', 49') for the hosts.India began the match with possession, while Australia opted for a counter-attacking strategy. Australia's approach paid off as they earned the first penalty corner, but Indian goalkeeper PR Sreejesh's exceptional reflexes kept the score level. Australia continued to press, earning three consecutive penalty corners in the 10th minute, but Sreejesh's brilliance denied them again.India responded with swift passing and penetrations into the Australian defense, earning a penalty corner of their own. However, they failed to capitalize on the opportunity. The opening quarter ended with both teams unable to break the deadlock.Australia launched a relentless attack in the second quarter, but India's resilient defense and Sreejesh's performance thwarted their efforts. India intensified their offensive efforts, but neither team managed to score, leaving the score at 0-0 at halftime.Australia earned an initial penalty corner in the third quarter, but failed to convert. India seized the opportunity to break the stalemate when Jugraj Singh unleashed a potent shot from a penalty corner, giving India the lead. However, Australia responded quickly with a penalty stroke converted by Jeremy Hayward, restoring parity.Australia won back-to-back penalty corners early in the fourth quarter and this time they were finally able to convert one as Jeremy Hayward scored again through a powerful shot to put the hosts in lead. With the score in their favor, Australia put India under pressure, preventing them from finding the equalizer and winning the match 2-1.