Last Updated on 10 hours 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, with Marnus Labuschagne (dropped) the notable absentee.
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, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Mitchell Owen, Matthew Renshaw, Matthew Short, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa
Matt Renshaw and Matt Short have been named in the squad. Both could be in line for a debut. 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. Cameron Green, 4. Matt Renshaw, 5. Josh Inglis (wk), 6. Mitch Owen/Matt Short, 7. Cooper Connolly/Ben Dwarshuis, 8. Mitchell Starc, 9. Nathan Ellis, 10. Josh Hazlewood, 11. Adam Zampa
Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh will open the batting. Australia may persist with Cameron Green at number three after the all-rounder smashed 118 off 55 balls in the last ODI against South Africa at Mackay.
This move could open the door for an ODI debut for Matt Renshaw. The left-hander 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 will be playing for South Australia in the Sheffield Shield match against Queensland starting October 15, confirmed by cricket.com.au. Matt Short and Mitch Owen are candidates for a middle order spot.
Also, Cooper Connolly took 5/22 in the last ODI against the Proteas, but Australia could opt for an additional seamer, i.e. Ben Dwarshuis, in Perth conditions. However, that move will lengthen the tail, although Dwarshuis is a capable batter.
Another option is dropping Adam Zampa and handing spin duties to Matt Short and Cooper Connolly, but it is doubtful Australia would opt for such a move given Zampa’s experience.
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
