The much-awaited ODI series between India and Australia gets underway with the first encounter at the Perth Stadium on October 19, 2025. Both teams arrive with renewed ambitions and a hunger to begin the new season on a winning note. India, led by Shubman Gill, are entering a transition phase combining youthful exuberance with the experience of stalwarts like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Meanwhile, Australia, under Mitchell Marsh’s aggressive leadership, will look to make full use of their home advantage and bounce-friendly conditions. With ICC rankings and pride at stake, the series opener promises a gripping contest between two modern-day cricketing giants.
Live Streaming Info
Fans can catch IND vs AUS live on Star Sports Network and Disney+ Hotstar (India), Fox Sports / Kayo Sports (Australia), Ten Sports (Pakistan), Sky Sports (UK), and Willow TV (USA). Match Start Time: 9:00 AM IST | 8:30 AM BST | 3:30 AM GMT | 8:30 PM PST (Oct 18) | 5:00 AM Local Time (Perth).
Team Analysis
After a busy 2025 season, India enter this ODI series with a clear intent to build consistency in their white-ball setup. Shubman Gill, now full-time captain, brings youthful leadership, while the presence of veterans Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma adds depth and experience at the top. Shreyas Iyer and Yashasvi Jaiswal will strengthen the middle order, while Hardik Pandya’s return to fitness adds balance with his all-round capabilities.
The bowling unit looks potent: Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh will spearhead the pace attack, supported by Jasprit Bumrah, who may be rested for one or two games. In spin, Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja remain key weapons to control the middle overs, especially against Australia’s attacking middle order. India’s main challenge will be adapting to Perth’s extra bounce and ensuring their top order doesn’t falter early under the lights.
Australia come into the series with strong momentum after a successful home summer. Led by Mitchell Marsh, the team boasts a perfect blend of aggression and balance. David Warner and Travis Head are expected to open, providing explosive starts, while Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith will hold the innings together in the middle order. Cameron Green and Glenn Maxwell provide versatility, capable of accelerating the scoring rate or stabilizing when needed.
The bowling unit remains Australia’s biggest strength — Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Pat Cummins form a lethal pace trio ideally suited for the bouncy Perth pitch. With Adam Zampa likely returning from a minor injury, their spin department will also have variation. However, fitness management and workload rotation will be vital given the packed schedule ahead of the 2026 Champions Trophy.
Match Insights and Conclusion
This opening ODI is set to test both teams’ adaptability under different pressures. India’s batting depth and spin prowess could tilt things their way if they survive the early pace burst. Conversely, Australia’s familiarity with home conditions and superior record at Perth make them slight favorites. Key duels — Starc vs Gill, Kohli vs Cummins, and Zampa vs Sharma — are likely to dictate the match’s tempo.
The pitch at Perth traditionally favors fast bowlers early on but tends to flatten out for batting as the game progresses. Dew is unlikely to be a major factor, meaning the toss may hold less influence than usual. A first-innings total of around 300 could be highly competitive.
As the series kicks off, both sides have plenty to prove. For India, it’s about blending new leadership with experienced performers and proving their mettle overseas. For Australia, it’s about reinforcing their dominance at home and fine-tuning combinations ahead of next year’s major tournaments. Expect a high-intensity clash filled with breathtaking stroke play, fiery pace spells, and tactical battles. The IND vs AUS 2025 1st ODI isn’t just another game — it’s the beginning of a rivalry chapter that could shape the direction of both teams’ ODI futures.
