Bengaluru, April 21 -- The Indian Women's Hockey Team left from Kempegowda International Airport, here, on Sunday night en route to Perth, Australia, via Singapore, for their upcoming five-match tour.

The friendly series will begin with two matches against Australia A on April 26 and 27, followed by three high-stakes encounters against the world No.5 ranked Australian senior team on May 1, 3 and 4-all set to be played at the Perth Hockey Stadium.

Led by dynamic midfielder Salima Tete, with experienced forward Navneet Kaur as her deputy, the 26-member squad will use the tour as a crucial preparation ahead of the European leg of the FIH Pro League 2024-25, which begins in June.

Speaking before departure, Captain Salima Tete said, "It's a...