Australia (AUS) will host India (IND) in the first ODI of a three-match series on Sunday, October 19, in Perth. The series will consist of three ODIs, followed by five T20Is. The cricket world is buzzing as two powerhouses prepare to clash in what promises to be an extraordinary encounter.
October may seem early, but cricket’s biggest season is already underway in Australia, setting the stage for what could be an unforgettable few months. The anticipation is palpable, with ticket sales soaring for the eight-match series. Optus Stadium expects a crowd exceeding 50,000 for the opening ODI – a milestone achieved just twice in the venue’s history.
With the next 50-over World Cup still two years distant, this three-match ODI series carries less immediate significance than the five T20Is that follow, particularly given the proximity of the next T20 World Cup.
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Australia vs India 1st ODI: Preview
Down under, Australia grapples with their star bowler’s fitness concerns that have captured national attention, while managing several injury setbacks that threaten to derail their summer plans. Australia enters this series juggling multiple priorities: preparing for the upcoming ODI World Cup, building momentum toward the Ashes series, and simply hoping their injury list doesn’t grow longer.
Australia, fresh from their August series against South Africa, had planned to field their strongest lineup for this crucial series opener. However, injury concerns have forced unwanted changes. The hosts are simultaneously working to rebuild their batting order following the departures of Steve Smith and Glenn Maxwell from this format.
Pat Cummins’ fitness remains the primary concern with the Ashes looming, and clarity on his recovery timeline should emerge soon. Josh Inglis faces at least two matches on the sidelines due to a calf problem, while Cameron Green’s side strain rules him out entirely. Adam Zampa’s absence from Perth relates to family commitments as he awaits his second child’s arrival, and Alex Carey will join the squad in time for the Adelaide match as part of his Ashes preparation routine.
Optus Stadium has proven to be an unlucky venue for Australia in ODI cricket, with the hosts yet to taste victory in their three previous matches at the ground. Travis Head stands on the cusp of a significant milestone, requiring just 58 more runs to reach the 3000-run mark in ODI cricket. Should Mitchell Starc feature in the Perth encounter, it would mark his return to ODI cricket for the first time since November 2024.
India’s veteran stars have returned to the fold, though questions linger about their longevity in the format. Meanwhile, a fresh face leads the team as captain. Standing in their way is a formidable Indian team that recently outplayed them in the Champions Trophy semi-final.
That Champions Trophy triumph marked India’s last ODI appearance, but significant changes have reshaped their squad since then. Veterans Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma now focus exclusively on one format, while Shubman Gill shoulders the captaincy burden across Tests and ODIs – a demanding responsibility in today’s cricket landscape, though strategic rest periods will likely be implemented. Jasprit Bumrah sits out the ODI leg but will feature in the T20 matches.
Throughout the ten-minute waterfront press conference at Matilda Bay, Shubman Gill maintained the same defensive posture – arms firmly crossed against his chest. Only at the very end, when finally asked about his own batting, did his stance soften. His arms dropped naturally to his sides before he casually tucked his hands into his pockets.
The timing was telling. Nearly every question until that moment had circled back to his two immediate predecessors in the captaincy role. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli would be making their first India appearance in over eight months the following day, both having committed exclusively to this format after retiring from others.
Gill’s body language wasn’t defensive when discussing the returning stars. He spoke enthusiastically about the honor of leading two ODI legends and valued their leadership insights as he prepared for his captaincy debut in this format. Yet the contrast was unmistakable – his visible relaxation when the spotlight finally shifted to his own game.
The moment captured something larger about this series. While officially marking India’s new ODI chapter, the marketing and media narrative remained dominated by these two modern titans of Indian cricket. Their presence has overshadowed nearly every other storyline heading into the opener, affecting both teams’ preparations.
The attention is understandable. One holds the record for most ODI centuries, while the other has achieved the rare feat of three ODI double-hundreds. These achievements define their legendary status in the format.
This reality ensures Kohli and Rohit will remain the primary focus throughout the week. Observers will scrutinize every performance for hints about their longevity – whether they might continue until 2027, and simply the novelty of seeing them back in India colors after an extended absence. Their influence over the past decade and a half of Indian cricket makes their every move newsworthy, even as a new captain tries to establish his own identity.
Nine years have passed since Kohli and Rohit last took the field under someone else’s leadership – that occasion being against New Zealand.
Australia vs India 1st ODI: Recent Form
Australia WLLLW(last five completed ODIs, most recent first)
India WWWWW
Australia vs India 1st ODI: Head-to-Head
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 152 |
| Won by Australia | 84 |
| Won by India | 58 |
| No Result | 10 |
| Tied | 00 |
| First-ever Fixture | December 06, 1980 (India Won) |
| Most-recent Fixture | March 04, 2025 (India Won) |
Australia vs India 1st ODI: Pitch Report and Weather Conditions
Historical data from Optus Stadium’s limited ODI experience suggests a challenging environment for batsmen, with Australia suffering consecutive collapses of 152 and 140 in their previous encounters at this venue across a six-year span.
The drop-in surfaces typically offer balanced conditions favoring both disciplines, though this marks the ground’s first ODI since the previous season. Bowling dominance has characterized past matches here, despite the pitch appearing conducive to run-scoring from initial observations.
Perth has experienced unseasonably warm temperatures heading into the weekend, though persistent weather concerns loom large. Sunday’s forecast predicts continuous rainfall throughout the day, potentially impacting play significantly. Saturday’s conditions offered encouragement with only light drizzle despite overcast skies.
The venue has hosted more Test matches than ODIs in its history, adding an element of uncertainty to expected playing conditions. Local organizers report exceptional ticket demand, with the potential for record-breaking attendance figures for international cricket at the stadium, reflecting the enormous anticipation surrounding this high-profile encounter.
Australia vs India 1st ODI: Team News and Starting Lineup
Australia – Team News
Several fresh faces will don the baggy green cap for Australia’s ODI opener, with Matt Renshaw and Mitch Owen earning their maiden call-ups to the 50-over squad. Josh Philippe makes a notable return to international cricket, donning the wicketkeeping gloves for his first ODI appearance since 2021.
Captain Mitchell Marsh has confirmed the bowling strategy will include spin options, meaning left-arm tweaker Matt Kuhnemann steps into the breach for the absent Zampa. This marks Kuhnemann’s first opportunity to showcase his skills on Australian soil in ODI cricket.
Recent weeks have seen intense focus on Ashes preparations throughout Australian cricket circles, creating a natural backdrop for significant changes. The combination of injury setbacks and strategic personnel decisions has triggered substantial reshuffling within the ODI setup.
While the middle order carries an air of inexperience with the new additions, the batting lineup maintains strong foundations. The opening partnership features the explosive Travis Head alongside skipper Marsh, providing proven firepower at the top. The bowling attack retains its world-class edge through the pace partnership of Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, who will spearhead the new-ball duties with their wealth of experience and proven track record.
Australia – Starting Lineup
- Travis Head
- Mitchell Marsh (capt)
- Matt Short
- Matt Renshaw
- Josh Philippe (wk)
- Mitch Owen
- Cooper Connolly
- Mitchell Starc
- Nathan Ellis
- Matt Kuhnemann
- Josh Hazlewood
India – Team News
India arrives without key bowler Jasprit Bumrah and all-rounder Hardik Pandya, yet maintains impressive depth throughout their squad. Nitish Kumar Reddy and Arshdeep Singh emerge as highly capable replacements, with the latter competing against Prasidh Krishna for selection.
The team faces tactical decisions regarding their lower order composition, particularly the crucial No. 8 position. Washington Sundar’s inclusion would strengthen the batting depth, adding valuable runs down the order alongside his spin bowling capabilities.
Despite an eight-month gap since their last ODI appearance in March, India plans to field an unchanged top six from their Champions Trophy final triumph, ensuring continuity and proven combinations at the business end of their batting lineup.
India – Starting Lineup
- Rohit Sharma
- Shubman Gill (capt)
- Virat Kohli
- Shreyas Iyer
- KL Rahul (wk)
- Axar Patel
- Nitish Reddy
- Washington Sundar
- Harshit Rana
- Mohammed Siraj
- Arshdeep Singh
Australia vs India 1st ODI: Players to Look Out For
Travis Head (Australia)
Travis Head’s recent exploits against India remain fresh in memory for visiting supporters. His twin centuries during the previous Test series complemented his match-winning contributions in both the 2023 World Test Championship final and ODI World Cup. The Champions Trophy final earlier this year nearly witnessed another memorable innings before Varun Chakravarthy’s timely intervention halted his progress.
These white-ball encounters mark Head’s opening assignment of the domestic summer, where strong performances could establish crucial momentum for upcoming challenges. However, he may yet feature in Sheffield Shield action before the Ashes series, adding another layer to his preparation schedule.
Virat Kohli (India)
The spotlight inevitably falls on Virat Kohli as he prepares for his first international appearance in seven months, surrounded by endless speculation about his career trajectory. While contradictory reports suggest this tour could mark his farewell or signal commitment through 2027, only time will provide clarity.
This Australian tour likely represents his final opportunity to compete on these shores as an international cricketer. The country holds special significance in his illustrious journey, with Optus Stadium serving as the venue for his most recent Test century. Though his relationship with local supporters has occasionally been strained – particularly during last season’s heated Test series exchanges – the substantial Indian contingent expected across all three venues should ensure an enthusiastic welcome for the batting maestro.
Australia vs India 1st ODI: Prediction
Weather conditions threaten to play a decisive role in Sunday’s opener, with AccuWeather forecasting a 70% chance of rain throughout the day in Perth. Temperatures are expected to range between 15-20°C, with overcast skies and potential afternoon showers that could create multiple interruptions and possibly delay the start of play. The moisture and cloud cover should enhance swing bowling conditions, making the new ball particularly dangerous.
Optus Stadium’s drop-in pitch promises to favor fast bowlers with extra bounce and movement off the seam. Historical data from just three previous ODIs at this venue paints a challenging picture for batsmen, with an average first-innings score of only 183 and teams successfully chasing in two of those encounters. Australia’s woeful record here – being dismissed for 152 and 140 in their last two ODI appearances – adds an intriguing psychological element.
The toss will prove crucial, with captains likely preferring to bowl first under these conditions before the surface eases later in the day. Fast bowlers have historically dominated at this venue, claiming five times more wickets than spinners, though batters who survive the initial examination can capitalize once settled.
Prediction: India to win
Despite Australia’s home advantage, India holds the edge for several compelling reasons. Their experienced pace attack led by Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh should thrive in Perth’s conditions, while the return of Kohli and Rohit provides invaluable experience in handling pressure situations. Australia’s injury-depleted squad and their historically poor record at Optus Stadium work against them. India’s recent Champions Trophy triumph over Australia earlier this year, combined with their superior depth and adaptability under challenging conditions, makes them slight favorites in what promises to be a weather-affected, low-scoring thriller.
When and Where to Watch the Australia vs India 1st ODI LIVE? Broadcast and Streaming Details
Match Details:
- Date: Sunday, October 19, 2025
- Venue: Perth Stadium (Optus Stadium), Perth, Australia
- Toss Time: 8:30 AM IST
- Match Start: 9:00 AM IST
- Local Time (Perth): 11:30 AM AWST
Television Broadcast in India:
- Primary Broadcaster: Star Sports Network (all channels)
- Free-to-Air Option: DD Sports and DD National
- Commentary: Available in multiple regional languages
- Pre-Match Coverage: Begins 30-60 minutes before toss
Live Streaming in India:
- Primary Platform: JioHotstar app and website
- Subscription Required: Yes, for premium streaming quality
- Device Compatibility: Smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, laptops
- Recommendation: Login early to avoid last-minute technical issues
International Viewing Options:
- Australia: Fox Cricket (TV), Kayo Sports (streaming)
- United Kingdom/Europe: Check local sports networks with ICC/BCCI tie-ups
- North America: Willow TV (both television and digital platforms)
- Other Regions: Regional broadcasters with cricket rights
Additional Information:
- HD quality broadcast available on all premium channels
- Post-match analysis and highlights will be available on the same platforms
- Replay options available for subscribers who miss the live action
- Multiple camera angles and expert commentary enhance the viewing experience
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FAQs
When and where is the Australia vs India 1st ODI?
Sunday, October 19, 2025, at Perth Stadium, Australia. Match starts 9:00 AM IST, toss at 8:30 AM IST.
How to watch the match live in India?
Live on Star Sports Network (TV) and JioHotstar app/website (streaming). Free coverage on DD Sports.
Which key Indian players are returning?
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma return after 7 months. Shubman Gill captains for the first time in ODIs.
What are the weather and pitch conditions?
70% chance of rain with overcast skies. Perth’s pitch favors fast bowlers with extra bounce and pace.
Which key players are missing due to injuries?
Australia: Pat Cummins, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Adam Zampa. India: Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya.
