The curtain rises on the three-match ODI series between Australia and India on Sunday (October 19) in Perth. The action kicks off at the Perth Stadium, with India touring Australia for three ODIs followed by five T20 Internationals.
Latest updates
- India enter this series under new leadership, with Shubman Gill taking over the ODI captaincy after being backed by his squad in this format for the first time.
- The veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have returned to India’s ODI squad, bringing experience alongside Gill’s fresh leadership.
- For Australia, a couple of key absences have affected the squad; all-rounder Cameron Green is ruled out of the first ODI due to side-soreness and will be monitored for the series. Also, wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis and spinner Adam Zampa will not feature in this game.
- On the weather front, there’s a possibility of clouds or light showers in Perth, which could influence the new ball behaviour and swing early on.
Pitch & conditions
The Perth surface is known to favour pace and bounce. Bowlers who can extract movement and staying consistent with line and length may find success early on. Batters who adjust quickly to the bounce — playing the rise and picking their moments — are likely to take advantage. Spinners are expected to have less assistance, so their effectiveness will depend more on variation and smart execution than big turn.
Head-to-Head and background
In ODIs, Australia and India have met many times. Australia hold the superior record with 84 wins out of 152 matches, while India have won 58 of those. India’s recent return to high-level ODI cricket (after their Champions Trophy success) gives them momentum, while Australia will want to reset their 50-over form and start strong at home.
What to watch
- Batting impact: For India, Rohit Sharma remains a key figure. With his vast experience and ability to dominate, particularly in Australian conditions, his performance could set the tone.
- Bowling leverage: For Australia, given their pace conditions at home, their seamers are poised to make a difference. India’s batting lineup will face a real test of skill and temperament early on.
- Leadership and transition: India’s shift under Gill’s captaincy and the role of Kohli and Rohit as seniors adds a tactical layer. Australia, missing some players, also must adapt.
- Injuries and squad shape: Australia’s missing players open opportunities; India’s mix of youth and experience will be interesting to see in action.
| Australia (AUS) | India (IND) |
|---|---|
| Mitchell Marsh (C) | Shubman Gill (C) |
| Travis Head | Rohit Sharma |
| Marnus Labuschagne | Virat Kohli |
| Mitchell Owen | Shreyas Iyer (VC) |
| Matthew Short | KL Rahul (WK) |
| Josh Philippe (WK) | Nitish Kumar Reddy |
| Cooper Connolly | Axar Patel |
| Mitchell Starc | Washington Sundar |
| Josh Hazlewood | Harshit Rana |
| Nathan Ellis | Mohammed Siraj |
| Ben Dwarshuis | Arshdeep Singh |
Prediction
Given the current form, conditions, and squad dynamics:
- Australia have the home advantage and pace-friendly conditions.
- India bring a strong mixture of experience and fresh leadership, and will carry positive momentum.
- The toss, early conditions (swing or bounce), and how quickly batters adapt will be decisive.
If I were to lean one way, I’d give India a slight edge — the return of their senior batters combined with Gill’s leadership and ability to adapt could swing things in their favour. That said, Australia at home should not be underestimated; they will be desperate to begin this series on the right foot.
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