Travis Head to open with Marsh; No Adam Zampa: Australia's strongest XI for 1st ODI vs IND

Australia will face India in the 1st ODI [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/x.com]

The stage is set for another India–Australia showdown and this time it is the white-ball version that has got fans buzzing. With the first ODI scheduled at the Optus Stadium in Perth on October 19, the Men in Yellow are gearing up to take on Shubman Gill’s side.

Pat Cummins will miss out due to injury, leaving Mitchell Marsh to lead the charge once again. And with a few surprises in selection, there is plenty to talk about when it comes to Australia’s strongest playing XI.

Openers Marsh and Head ready to go big

(Marsh and Head's ODI stats as openers)

Australia’s opening pair looks rock solid. Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head are expected to set the tone and both are capable of tearing into any attack when they get going. Marsh has been in sizzling touch this year with 206 runs in just three innings at an average of 68.6 and his powerplay hitting will be crucial on Perth’s bouncy surface.

Meanwhile, Travis Head, despite a lean T20 run, remains a different beast in ODIs. His 2025 stats read 297 runs in seven matches at 128.01 strike rate and when he gets his eye in, it is carnage. Head and Marsh together at the top could be a nightmare for India’s pace attack.

Labuschagne back in the mix

The return of Marnus Labuschagne at No. 3 due to Cameron Green's injury adds stability to the middle order. He had fallen out of favour due to poor form but two recent List A centuries in domestic cricket have brought him right back into contention. 

With Steve Smith’s retirement opening a spot in the top order, this is Labuschagne’s big chance to prove his worth and maybe even strengthen his case for the upcoming Ashes.

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Middle order with Renshaw and Phillippe

Australia’s middle order might not have the big names of the past but it is got plenty of potential. Matthew Renshaw will likely take charge at No. 4. The southpaw is a reliable anchor who can build an innings around the stroke makers.

Behind him, Josh Phillippe adds flamboyance and firepower. The wicketkeeper-batter can shift gears quickly and has the ability to clear the ropes with ease. At No. 6 and 7, Cooper Connolly and Mitchell Owen offer all-round balance with both capable of chipping in handy runs and tight overs.

Bowling attack locked and loaded

(Starc and Hazlewood's stats in ODIs)

Even without Pat Cummins, Australia’s bowling still packs a punch. Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood will open the attack, bringing experience and venom with the new ball. Starc last played an ODI in November 2024 against Pakistan and will be itching to make a statement.

The third seamer, Nathan Ellis who has bagged 7 wickets in as many ODIs this year, brings variety to the attack with slower balls, yorkers and that calm head at the death. He is a captain’s dream in tight situations.

When it comes to spin, Matthew Kuhnemann will edge out Adam Zampa, who will miss the first game due to family reasons. 

Australia’s strongest XI for 1st ODI vs India

Mitchell Marsh (c), Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Matthew Renshaw, Josh Phillippe (wk), Mitchell Owen, Cooper Connolly, Matthew Kuhnemann, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Ellis

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