India lost 3-4 to defending champions Australia in their first match of the two-leg FIH Pro League encounter here on Friday.

Making their debut in the second season of the FIH Pro League, the Indians displayed their potential by claiming five points from a possible six against the Netherlands before claiming another three in a stunning 2-1 victory over Belgium, the reigning World and European champions.

The Red Lions bounced back with a 3-2 win in the second match. But the hosts were made to toil hard by Australia before eventually losing the match in a close encounter.