Indian Women Hockey team suffered third defeat in their Australia tour, going down fighting to Australia-A at Mate Stadium in Adelaide today. Earlier in their three-match Test series against Australia, India lost 2-0. Australia won the first two matches 4-2 and 3-2, while the third game ended in 1-1 draw.

Odisha defender and vice-captain Deep Grace Ekka scored the only goal for India in the third Test, converting a penalty corner. Indian women will conclude their tour with the second and last match against Australia-A on May 27.

The tour is part of the preparations for the Indian team ahead of the all-important Hangzhou Asian Games 2023. Deep Grace Ekka is the only player from Odisha to have been selected in the National team, which is being led by goalie Savita Punia.

INDIAN WOMEN TEAM: Goalkeepers: Savita Punia (Captain), Bichu Devi Kharibam. Defenders: Deep Grace Ekka (Vice-Captain), Nikki Pradhan, Ishika Chaudhary, Udita, Gurjit Kaur. Midfielders: Nisha, Navjot Kaur, Monika, Salima Tete, Neha, Navneet Kaur, Sonika, Jyoti, Baljeet Kaur. Forwards: Lalremsiami, Vandana Katariya, Sangita Kumari, Sharmila Devi. Chief Coach: Janneke Scopman.

RESULTS:
May 18 (1st Test): India (Sangita Kumari 29-FG, Sharmila Devi 40-PC) lost to Australia (Aisling Utri 21-FG, Maddy Fitzpatrick 27-PC, Alice Arnott 32-FG, Courtney Schonell 35-FG) 2-4.
May 20 (2nd Test): India (Sangita Kumari 12-FG, Gurjit Kaur 16-PC) lost to Australia (Tatum Stewart 11-PC, 44-PS, Pippa Morgan 37-PC) 2-3.
May 21 (3rd Test): India (Deep Grace Ekka 41-PC) drew with Australia (Maddison Brooks 24-FG) 1-1.
May 25 (Match 4): India (Salima Teta 40, Sangita Kumari 54) lost to Australia-A (Alice Arnott 18, Ruby Harris 20, 35) 2-3.