Australia will hand ODI debuts to two players in the first ODI of the three-match series against India at Optus Stadium in Perth on Sunday, October 19. Left-handed batter Matthew Renshaw and all-rounder Mitchell Owen will play their first one-day internationals for Australia following strong performances.
Australia lost their home series 1-2 against South Africa in their last outing 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 Set to Make ODI Debuts for Australia
Matthew Renshaw is set to make his long-awaited ODI debut for Australia in the opening match of the series against India. Matt Short will return to the ODI setup to bat at number three.
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The reigning world champions will test their bench strength against India. In the absence of regular wicketkeeper Josh Inglis, recovering from a calf injury, Josh Philippe will take 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 lineup as Adam Zampa misses the first match due to family commitments. Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood will lead the pace bowling attack.
I Believe It Will Be High Scoring Affair – Australia skipper Mitchell Marsh
Captain Mitch Marsh said that negotiating the new ball will be crucial in the first ODI. He noted that early damage with the new ball often dictates results, while big totals tend to come later in the innings.
“Often you see at Perth Stadium it can swing around the new ball and both teams will be looking to do early damage on that wicket. Across the board in the Big Bash, a lot of the biggest scores are backended,” Marsh said on match eve.
“So if we get off to a good start, I believe it will be high scoring affair, but getting through the first 10 overs for both teams will be the challenge and maybe where the game is won and lost,” he added.
No Real Difference Between Opening And No. 3 – Mitchell Marsh
Travis Head and Mitch Marsh will open the innings, with Matt Short at No. 3. Short missed the South Africa series in August due to a rib cartilage fracture and also missed the end of this year’s Champions Trophy because of a quad injury.
Marsh said that Short regularly opens for Victoria and the Adelaide Strikers and has experience opening in T20s globally, but the team is confident in his adaptability at No. 3.
“We know that he opens batting for Victoria and Adelaide Strikers and has opened in T20 cricket around the world,” Marsh said.
“But we see no real difference between opening and batting number three, and we feel comfortable with him batting up there.
“Across the board, in our white-ball teams over the last 12 months, we’ve seen a lot of guys get opportunities and for us, it’s all about (them) coming in and being really clear on their role.”
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