India got off to a strong start by gaining the lead in the first half of the hockey test against Australia, but its defence crumbled later, and the team lost 1-5, giving Australia an unassailable 3-1 lead in the five-match series.

IE reported that after a strong defensive performance by Harmanpreet and company in the first quarter that ended with a scoreless tie, comeback player Dilpreet Singh (25th) scored early to give India the lead.

But as the second quarter came to a close, India's defence gave way to goals from Jeremy Hayward (29th) and Jake Whetton (30th) in a span of 50 seconds. Before Hayward completed his hat trick, Tom Wickham (34th) increased the Kookaburra's lead (41st).

In the 54th minute, Matt Dawson scored with a low volley strike that beat Krishan Pathak.

On Sunday, the series' last game will be played. India had lost the first two games before winning the third one.