Last Updated on 6 months ago by Charbel Coorey
Australia will look to return to form in ODIs when they take on India in a three-match series starting at Optus Stadium in Perth on October 19. Cricket Australia (CA) have made a few changes to the squad that lost 2-1 to South Africa in August.
Australia last met India in an ODI in the 2025 Champions Trophy semi-final. India emerged victorious by four wickets as an inexperienced Aussie attack fought hard in Dubai. However, the Australians will have a more experienced attack this time around.
Australia ODI squad for 2025 India series: Mitchell Marsh (c), Xavier Bartlett, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Owen, Josh Philippe, Matthew Renshaw, Matthew Short, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa
Matt Renshaw and Mitch Owen have been named in the squad. Both could be in line for a debut especially with a number of absentees. Here is a look at the possible XI Australia could go with for the first ODI against Shubman Gill’s team.
Australia possible 11 for 1st ODI against India at Optus Stadium Perth: 1. Travis Head, 2. Mitchell Marsh (c), 3. Matt Short, 4. Matt Renshaw, 5. Josh Philippe (wk), 6. Mitch Owen 7. Cooper Connolly, 8. Mitchell Starc, 9. Nathan Ellis, 10. Josh Hazlewood, 11. Ben Dwarshuis/Matt Kuhnemann
Cameron Green (minor side injury), Josh Inglis (calf injury), Alex Carey (Sheffield Shield) and Adam Zampa (family reasons) are all unavailable for the first ODI. Marnus Labuschagne has been brought into the ODI squad and will travel to Perth following Queensland’s Sheffield Shield match against South Australia according to cricket.com.au.
Whether Labuschagne will play on such a short turnaround remains to be seen. If he does play, he could slot in at three with Matt Renshaw at four. If that happens, Australia may then be left with a choice between Mitch Owen and Matt Short.
Renshaw has been excellent in List A cricket since the start of September 2024, with an average of 52.55 and strike rate of 115.60. He scored 305 runs batting in the middle order for Queensland in last season’s One Day Cup, and the selectors could opt for his skills in the middle in this series.
Who occupies number five and six remains is a key question for the selectors. Alex Carey is unavailable for the first ODI as he is playing for South Australia in the Sheffield Shield match against Queensland. Josh Inglis will also miss the match due to a calf injury. If Labuschagne doesn’t play, Matt Short may slot in at three with Mitch Owen in the middle order.
Also, Adam Zampa is out due to family reasons, which opens the door for Matt Kuhnemann to play. However, Australia could opt for the additional seamer in Ben Dwarshuis with Connolly (5/22 in his last ODI) and Short to take on the spin duties.
Adelaide and Sydney will host the other two ODIs against India. Five T20Is will follow. Here is the schedule:
ODIs:
- 1st ODI: Optus Stadium, Perth, Sunday October 19 (D/N)
- 2nd ODI: Adelaide Oval, Thursday October 23 (D/N)
- 3rd ODI: Sydney Cricket Ground, Saturday October 25 (D/N)
T20Is:
- 1st T20I: Manuka Oval, Canberra, Wednesday October 29
- 2nd T20I: Melbourne Cricket Ground, Friday October 31
- 3rd T20I: Bellerive Oval, Hobart, Sunday November 2
- 4th T20I: Bill Pippen Oval, Gold Coast, Thursday November 6
- 5th T20I: Gabba, Brisbane, Saturday November 8
