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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.

India's dismal performance in Australia continued as they suffered a 1-3 defeat in the fourth Test of the five-match men's hockey series. Despite an improved display, the Kookaburras proved too strong, securing their fourth consecutive victory.The match, delayed by lightning, saw all four goals scored from penalty corners. India took the lead through skipper Harmanpreet Singh in the 12th minute, but Jeremy Hayward's brace (19th, 47th) and Jack Welch's strike (54th) handed Australia another win.India had been decimated 1-5 in the opening Test and lost the second and third Tests 2-4 and 1-2 respectively. However, they showed signs of improvement in the fourth Test, matching Australia in the first quarter.Mandeep Singh had an early chance for India, but his shot was saved by the Australian goalkeeper. The Kookaburras responded with back-to-back penalty corners, but veteran goalkeeper PR Sreejesh made twin saves to deny them.India used the midfield more effectively than in previous games, building attacks with fine ball transfer. They secured their first penalty corner in the 10th minute, but Jugraj Singh failed to convert.Australia earned their third and fourth penalty corners, but the Indians defended stoutly. India took the lead when Harmanpreet converted their second penalty corner with a low and hard flick.The Kookaburras responded quickly, with Hayward converting their fifth penalty corner. Rajkumar Pal's reverse hit hit the post for India, and Australia secured their sixth penalty corner, but reserve goalkeeper Suraj Karkera made a brilliant save.The second half saw India secure another penalty corner, but Harmanpreet failed to breach the Australian defense. Australia earned back-to-back penalty corners in the final quarter, with Hayward converting the second.The hosts kept up the pressure, securing two more penalty corners but failing to utilize them. Welch scored Australia's third goal from another penalty corner six minutes later.India had chances in the form of three penalty corners in the last four minutes but wasted the opportunities. The final Test of the series will be played on Saturday.

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.