IND vs AUS Hockey Tests: Craig Fulton’s side needs more attacking threat from their forwards as India trail 0-2 in series

Mandeep Singh (L) with head coach Craig Fulton – File photo Hockey India.

On paper, 2-4 is better than 1-5. The Indian men’s hockey team bridged the gap a bit but went down in a six-goal clash against their nemesis Australia in Perth on Sunday to trail 0-2 in the five-match series.

Before the team departed to Australia, head coach Craig Fulton had said that going toe-to-toe for long periods was the key to beating the Kookaburras. Unfortunately, for the second day running, a drop-off in the level – especially in the third quarter – proved to be India’s undoing. A 15-minute blitz saw Australia score three times to turn around a 1-2 half-time deficit. (Read more from Vinayakk Mohanrangan)