The Indian men’s hockey team will visit Australia for a four -match series to be held in Perth from August 15 to 21 as part of the upcoming Asia Cup preparations.

The Indian team, occupying eighth place in the world rankings, will face the Australia team, occupied in the sixth place on 15, 16, 19 and 21 August. All matches will be played in Perth.

The Asia Cup is to be held from August 29 to September 7 in Rajgir, Bihar. The winner of this continental competition will qualify directly for next year’s FIH World Cup.

In a statement released by Hockey India, India’s head coach Craig Fulton said, “The tour is taking place at a significant time before the Hero Asia Cup to be held in Bihar. Even though this is a friendly series, playing against a strong team like Australia will give us a good opportunity to test ourselves.

Recently, both teams were encountered in the FIH Pro League in Europe in which Australia defeated India 3-2 in both stages. India had won 3–2 over Australia in the Paris Olympics last year.

Australia has won 35 out of the 51 matches played between these two teams since 2013. India has won nine times, while seven matches have been drawn.