Australia will debut two players in the first ODI of the three-match series in India at the Optus Stadium on Sunday, October 19.
Australia lost 1-2 against South Africa last time in the format. The Aussies last played against India during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, where they suffered a four-wicket defeat. Notably, the hosts will be without key players, including captain Pat Cummins, who is recovering from injury.
Matthew Renshaw and Mitchell Owen are set to make their ODI debuts for Australia
Matthew Renshaw is set to make his long-awaited Oi debut for Australia in the series opener against India. Matt will return to the ODI setup at short number three.
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The reigning World Champions will test their bench strength against India. Regular WicketKeeper Josh Inglis has recovered from a calf injury, while Josh Philip will don the gloves during the series opener.
Renshaw, Cooper Connolly and Mitchell Owen add batting depth and all-round skills to the side. Left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann will return to the Odi line-up as he missed Adam Zampa’s first match due to family commitments. Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood will lead the PACE bowling attack.
I believe it will be a highly rated affair – Australian Skipper Mitchell Marsh
Captain Mitch Marsh said the new ball would negotiate the first Odi. He noted that early damage often pays off with the new ball, which tends to come later in big shots overall.
“You often see at Perth that the new ball can swing around and both teams will suffer early damage on this wicket.
“So, if we get off to a good start, I believe it will be a high-scoring affair, but it will be difficult for both teams to get through the first 10 overs and perhaps where the game is won and lost,” he said.
There is no real difference between the opening and No. 3 – Mitchell Marsh
Travis Head and Mitch Marsh, with Matt Short at No. 3, Matt Short missed the South Africa series due to a Fractured Jealousy Redness and missed the end of this year’s championship.
Marsh said Short had opened regularly for the Victoria and Adelaide batsmen in the short term and had some opening experience in T20s, but the team was confident of his No.3 adaptation.
“We know he has opened the batting for the Victoria and Adelaide batsmen and has opened in T20 cricket around the world,” he said.
“But we don’t see a real difference between opening number three and sinking, and we feel comfortable sinking there.
“Across the Board, over the last 12 months, a lot of people in our white-ball teams have had opportunities and for us to come in (to them) and be really clear about their roles.”
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