During the opening ODI game at the Optus Stadium in Perth between Australia and India, a hilarious incident took place when Mitchell Marsh smashed Mohammed Siraj for a massive six over the long-off region. The ball was on the length and just outside off, to which the batter used his power to time the ball as it sailed over the ropes into the edge of the stand. 

One of the spectators was sitting in that position where the ball landed. From the initial reaction, it felt like he had grabbed a fantastic catch at the fence. But on the replays, it was confirmed that the ball actually hit the iron rod before getting into the lap of the fan. Australia's former batter, Adam Gilchrist, on commentary, giggled to call it a back in backward cricket.

See Also: [WATCH] India dismiss Travis Head with superb planning during AUS vs IND 1st ODI

However, that was a vital knock from Marsh, who ended with 46 unbeaten runs in 52 balls. His knock was decorated with two boundaries and three over boundaries at a strike rate of 88.46 as he celebrated the fifty-run stand for the third wicket with Josh Phillipe to give them the winning platform.

Watch: Crowd’s cheeky catch on Mitchell Marsh’s six during AUS vs IND 1st ODI

It was a clinical performance from the home side to earn the seven-wicket victory and go 1-0 up in the series. Along with Phillipe, the debutant Matt Renshaw also remained undefeated on 21 runs in 24 balls at a strike rate of 87.50 with the help of one boundary and one six to contribute to the seven-wicket chase.

A handy crowd catch off a Mitch Marsh six! #AUSvIND | #PlayoftheDay | @BKTtires pic.twitter.com/lKcO4waoM2

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) October 19, 2025

India, batting first, had a terrible start in the first innings as they were reduced to 45/4 amid several rain breaks. Their top three batters added just 18 runs, including the eight-ball duck from Virat Kohli. Had Axar Patel and KL Rahul not smashed over 30 runs respectively, the score wouldn’t have crossed 100.

The focus for the Blue Brigade will now be to turn the next game into a strong show on October 19 at the Adelaide Oval in Adelaide. Australia, meanwhile, will need to repeat the same strong performance with both bat and ball to seal the series.

Australia got off to a great start in the India vs Australia 1st ODI 2025 at Optus Stadium, Perth, having won the toss and deciding to bowl first. The home seamers imposed immediate pressure on India with simple and disciplined bowling. Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc struck in back-to-back overs, dismissing star batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to leave India in trouble at the end of the powerplay.

The surface at Perth offered quick bounce and seam movement and Hazlewood and Starc exploited the conditions perfectly. They maintained excellent control, not allowing the Indian top order to settle. With both openers back in the shed early, the visitors were forced into a defensive mode in the face of the continued dominance of the hosts in the early exchanges. 

The highlight of the innings came when Australian captain Mitchell Marsh brought on Nathan Ellis. The decision turned out to be a masterstroke, as Ellis struck with his very first delivery. He dismissed Shubman Gill (10 off 18) with a good-length delivery angling down the leg side. Gill tried to glance it fine but got a faint edge, and Josh Philippe completed a sharp catch behind the stumps. The dismissal left India reeling at 25/3 in the ninth over.

India vs Australia 1st ODI: India in Trouble After Top-Order Collapse

As of this writing, India is 25/3 in the ninth over, with Shreyas Iyer & Axar Patel at the crease, looking to rebuild the innings after the top-order failure put enormous pressure on India’s middle order in tough conditions.

Watch the video here

Gill wicket

Taken by nathan ellis pic.twitter.com/AYRSd2P2P0

— SmithianEra (@Trexsnyder2345) October 19, 2025

See Also: [WATCH] "Played most game..."- Virat Kohli eliminates game time concern in exclusive interview ahead of AUS vs IND 1st ODI

With light rain and strong winds creating additional challenges, the Australian pacers have been relentless. The Australian pacers have control and movement and were able to take advantage of the Perth pitch to keep the Indian batters guessing. They were able to make early breakthroughs, including Ellis capturing the wicket of Gill, giving Australia the upper hand in the first ODI of the series.

Team India will face Australia in a three-match ODI series starting in Perth on Saturday, October 19. The Men in Blue will aim to take revenge for their 1-2 loss when they last toured Australia for an ODI series in 2020-21. On the other hand, Australia will look to bounce back after losing their last ODI series 1-2 against South Africa at home earlier this year. The Aussies will also seek revenge for the four-wicket loss they suffered against India in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy in Dubai.

However, the hosts will miss some key players. Regular captain Pat Cummins is injured, while Glenn Maxwell and Steve Smith have retired from ODIs. As a result, skipper Mitchell Marsh will lead the side and hope to perform well for the reigning 50-over World Champions. He will have strong support from opener Travis Head and pacers Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood.

Adam Zampa, Alex Carey, and Josh Inglis will not play the first ODI but will join the team for the last two matches. Meanwhile, Marnus Labuschagne will aim to prove himself after returning to the ODI squad, replacing Cameron Green, who was ruled out due to injury.

In this article, we look at the key Australian players who could challenge Team India in the upcoming ODI series.

Also Read -WATCH: End of Suryakumar Yadav era? Rise of Shubman Gill worries India's T20I captain!

1. Mitchell Marsh

Mitchell Marsh, Australia’s stand-in captain for the ODI series against India, will look to lead from the front in Pat Cummins’ absence. The all-rounder has been in fine form with the bat. He scored 88 and 100 in the first and third ODIs against South Africa in August. Marsh also shined in the T20I series against New Zealand, hitting 85, 9*, and 103* as Australia won 2-0.

Marsh enjoys playing against India, scoring 473 runs in 11 innings at an average of 59.12, including one century and three fifties. With the ball, he has taken four wickets in six innings at an economy of 6.37. However, he hasn’t bowled since missing the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy due to a back injury.

2. Cooper Connolly

Young all-rounder Cooper Connolly could be Australia’s surprise weapon against India. The 22-year-old has impressed in both domestic and international cricket. He had a strong BBL season last year, scoring 351 runs in 10 innings with two fifties and picking up six wickets.

Connolly took a brilliant 5/22 against South Africa in his last ODI, helping Australia win by 276 runs. During the Australia A tour of India, he also performed well with the bat, scoring 70, 33, 50*, and 64 in four innings. His all-round ability makes him one to watch in this series.

3. Josh Hazlewood

Josh Hazlewood has always been a major threat to India across formats. The 34-year-old pacer’s accuracy and bounce make him deadly in home conditions. He has taken 17 wickets in 11 ODIs against India at an economy rate of 5.41, including 3/38 in the 2023 World Cup final and 2/60 in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.

Hazlewood dismissed both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the Champions Trophy clash. Overall, he has 78 wickets against India in all formats. Interestingly, he has dismissed Kohli five times in ODIs, conceding only 58 runs off 98 balls. Kohli also struggled against him during the 2024–25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, falling outside off-stump multiple times.

Shubman Gill is set to take center stage as India face Australia in a three-match ODI series starting October 19 in Perth. This tour will also be his first major assignment as India’s new ODI captain.

With senior players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli returning to the squad, India’s batting unit looks strong and experienced. The combination of youth and seniority provides solid balance for the upcoming series.

The series is also expected to play a crucial role in shaping India’s roadmap for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Historically, Indian batters have shown consistency and adaptability on Australian pitches, which adds confidence to the team’s preparations for this important tour.

See Also: “Won’t lie…”- Suryakumar Yadav reveals reason to be scared of Shubman Gill in T20Is

3 Batters Who Can Shine on Australian Soil:

Australia will be missing a few key players due to injuries, leaving them unable to field their strongest lineup for the ODI series. The inexperience in their middle order could be a major challenge, placing extra pressure on top-order batters like Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, and Marnus Labuschagne to deliver consistently.

The series also carries added intrigue as it marks Shubman Gill’s first stint as India’s ODI captain, following his earlier leadership debut in Tests abroad. With both teams eyeing early momentum, the focus will now shift to the batters expected to dominate — here’s a look at three who could top the scoring charts.

1. Mitchell Marsh

Mitchell Marsh is set to lead Australia in the upcoming ODI series, a task that comes with added responsibility due to the absence of several senior players. However, the all-rounder’s current form in white-ball cricket makes him one of the most dependable names in the squad.

In the recent home series against South Africa, Marsh showcased his class, scoring 206 runs in three matches at an average of 68.66, including a century and a fifty. His consistency continued during the T20I series in New Zealand, where he was the top scorer with 197 runs in three innings at a staggering strike rate of 191.26.

Marsh’s brilliance also extended to the IPL earlier this year, where he amassed 627 runs from 13 games at an impressive average of 48.23, hitting one century and six fifties.

 2. Shreyas Iyer

Shreyas Iyer has made his comeback to international cricket after the 2025 Champions Trophy and will serve as Shubman Gill’s deputy for the upcoming ODI series against Australia. The stylish right-hander has been in exceptional form this year, especially in limited-overs cricket.

He played a key role in India’s Champions Trophy triumph, finishing as the team’s top run-getter with 243 runs in five matches at an average of 48.60, including two crucial fifties. His form carried over into the IPL, where he remained a consistent performer.

Representing his franchise, Iyer scored 604 runs in 17 matches at an average of 50.33 and a strike rate of 175.07, smashing six half-centuries. He also impressed against Australia A, scoring 180 runs in three games with a century and a fifty.

3. Shubman Gill

India’s newly appointed ODI captain, Shubman Gill, has been in stunning form in red-ball cricket lately. He dominated the England series with 754 runs, including four centuries, and followed it up with 192 runs against the West Indies, featuring a hundred and a fifty.

Gill will look to extend his fine run into the ODI series against Australia. The young opener has been consistent in the format throughout 2025, scoring 447 runs in eight matches at an impressive average of 63.85, with two centuries and two half-centuries.

ODI cricket remains Gill’s strongest suit. In his 55-match career so far, he has racked up 2,775 runs at an average of 59.04, including eight hundreds and 15 fifties.

Marnus Labuschagne has been called into Australia’s squad for the three-match ODI series against India, starting Sunday, after all-rounder Cameron Green was ruled out with side soreness. The selectors didn’t want to risk him ahead of the Ashes starting next month. “Green will have a short rehab and is expected to return in round three of the Sheffield Shield as part of his Ashes preparation,” Cricket Australia said.

Marnus Labuschagne Replaces Injured Cameron Green in IND vs AUS ODI Series

Labuschagne wasn’t in the original squad but earned his place after scoring 159 for Queensland in a Sheffield Shield match on Thursday, his fourth century of the season. This is the third last-minute change for Australia in the first ODI.

🚨 LABUSCHAGNE IS BACK IN ODIs 🚨

- Marnus Labuschagne replaces injured Cameron Green in the ODI series against India. 🏆 pic.twitter.com/42lK15Y1mV

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 17, 2025

Josh Philippe replaces the injured Josh Inglis, and Matthew Kuhnemann comes in for Adam Zampa, who is unavailable for personal reasons. For India, the focus will be on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who are back in action after retiring from Tests and playing only one format now.

ALSO READ: 5-wicket haul for Rajasthan Royals bowler in Ranji Trophy ahead of IPL 2026

Australia Squad for First ODI:
Mitchell Marsh (c), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Owen, Josh Philippe, Matthew Renshaw, Matthew Short, Mitchell Starc.

From Second ODI onwards: Adam Zampa, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis.

Australia have named their squad for the first two of the five-match T20I series against India at home, as Mitchell Marsh will continue to lead the side. Josh Inglis, who missed the T20I series against New Zealand last week due to a calf strain, has returned to the shortest format against the Suryakumar Yadav-led side. 

The initial squad for the first couple of encounters is a sign of the management looking to rest the multi-format players for the final three games for those involved in the Ashes 2025-26. Glenn Maxwell, the premier all-rounder, remains unavailable for the 20-over fixtures due to the unbroken wrist he suffered ahead of the New Zealand series.

Also Read: [WATCH] Rinku Singh meets Shadab Jakati to recreate '10rs ka biscuit' as hilarious video goes viral

“We have named a squad for the ODI series and the first two games of the T20 series, as there will be some management through the back end of the series as individuals prepare for the summer through Sheffield Shield cricket.” The chairman of the selection committee for Australia, George Bailey, expressed in a media statement.

Australia pick strong and full-strength T20I squad vs India

Cameron Green has been included in the ODI squad against India, but he isn’t part of the 20-over side as he prepares to face England in the next series and is likely to play more Sheffield Shield games for Western Australia. Mitchell Owen has also had the chance to be part of the 20-over squad.

“The majority of the T20 squad will remain together as it's an important period in the build towards the World Cup next year; however, we are trying to strike a balance to ensure we simultaneously prepare certain individuals for the Test series ahead.” The former Australian captain addressed.

Nathan Ellis returned to the T20I squad after missing the New Zealand trip for the birth of his first child, as Sean Abbott has also retained his position. The first two T20Is will be played in Canberra and Melbourne in the last week of October, before the next three games will be played in early November.

Australia’s T20I squad vs India (first two games) at home

Mitchell Marsh (captain), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Matthew Kuhnemann, Mitchell Owen, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa

Australia players have gained huge rankings in the latest update among the ICC ODI batters. They earned a 2-1 series defeat against South Africa at home, having already lost the first couple of 50-over fixtures. They were rewarded with the latest rankings in the batting department after their huge victory during the final game in McKay.

The home side’s captain, Mitchell Marsh, won the toss and decided to bat first on a firm surface. Centuries from the top three of the national side, Travis Head, Marsh, and Cameron Green, along with the half-century from Alex Carey, pushed them to reach 431/2 in their allotted 50 overs as the Proteas were bundled out for 155 to lose by 276 runs.

See Also: 'Call it Bazball or...'- Former Australia coach gives suggestion to England before Ashes 2025/26

Head gained one place to move to the 11th position, while Marsh jumped four rungs to move to the 44th. On the other hand, Green raises a whopping 40 slots to 78th. Josh Inglis has also improved 23 slots to move to the 64th position as a result of his 87 in the final innings in Mackay against the Rainbow Nation.

Australia stars improve in ICC ODI rankings’ update

India’s opening batting duo, Shubman Gill and captain Rohit Sharma, remain at the top of the rankings for batters, followed by Babar Azam at the third position in the table. In the bowling rankings, Keshav Maharaj has Sri Lanka’s Maheesh Theekshana at the top with 671 points.

ICC Men’s ODI batting rankings

ICC Men’s ODI bowling rankings

Australia produced a record-breaking performance in the third ODI against South Africa, clinching victory by a massive 276-run margin to seal a dominant win. After losing the series 2-1, the Aussies ensured they ended on a high with one of their finest batting displays in recent times. Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Australia’s top order dismantled South Africa’s bowling attack. The Proteas, who had already secured the series, were left helpless against the relentless aggression and precision shown by Australia’s batters.

The innings was set up by Travis Head’s blistering knock of 142 off just 103 balls, studded with 17 boundaries and 5 sixes. His partnership with captain Mitchell Marsh laid the perfect foundation for a massive total. Marsh himself struck a composed 100 off 106 balls, showcasing his ability to anchor and accelerate at will. Their 250-run stand for the first wicket left South Africa searching for breakthroughs before both fell in quick succession.

See Also: Top 5 fastest ODI centuries for Australia ft. Cameron Green

Once Head and Marsh departed, Cameron Green capitalized on the solid base, unleashing one of his most destructive innings in ODI cricket. Green hammered 118 off 55 deliveries at a strike rate of 214.55, striking 6 fours and 12 sixes. Alongside Alex Carey’s brisk 50 not out, the duo ensured Australia crossed the 400-mark with ease. Finishing at 431/2 in 50 overs, it was Australia’s second-highest ODI total ever and an almost insurmountable challenge for the visitors.

South Africa fell short of target by 276 runs

In reply, South Africa’s batting faltered under pressure. The early dismissals of Aiden Markram (2), Ryan Rickelton (11), and captain Temba Bavuma (19) left them reeling at 39/3 within six overs. Dewald Brevis showed some resistance with a 28-ball 49, displaying his trademark power hitting, but his dismissal sparked another collapse. None of the other batters could build partnerships, as wickets kept tumbling at regular intervals against a disciplined Australian bowling attack.

Cooper Connolly was the star with the ball, returning figures of 5/25 in six overs, dismantling South Africa’s middle and lower order. Abbott and Bartlett provided key breakthroughs with two wickets each, while Zampa chipped in with one. South Africa were bowled out for just 155 in 24.5 overs, losing by a huge 276 runs. Though South Africa claimed the series 2-1, Australia’s statement win reminded the cricketing world of their depth, power, and ability to bounce back strongly in any conditions.

Australia’s batting was on fire in the third ODI at Mackay as they scored a huge 431 runs for 2 wickets in 50 overs.

The innings started with Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh giving the team a dream start. They added a record 250 runs for the first wicket. Head was the key player, hitting the ball to all along the ground. He scored a brilliant 142 runs from 103 balls, 17 fours and 5 sixes. Marsh played a steady innings, reaching his hundred from 106 balls .

After their partnership, Cameron Green took charge and scored one of the fastest powerful innings in recent games . He reached his hundred in just 47 balls, the second fastest century by an Australian in ODIs. Green stayed unbeaten with 118 runs from only 55 balls, hitting long sixes with ease.

Alex Carey also scored brilliantly 50 runs not out from 37 balls, rotating the strike and supporting Green in the last final overs. By the end of the innings, Australia had scored a massive score, leaving South Africa facing a very tough chase of 432 runs.

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Twitter reactions after Aussies to 431/2 in First Innings in the 3rd ODI

What Aussie media will tell you: Australia scored 431 runs 🥶 🔥
What Aussie media will never tell you:
All those runs came against Mighty Dinda sorry Mphaka,110kph Wiaan Mulder,103 averege in ODI's with the ball Corbin Bosch & 57 average with the ball Aiden Markram 😂😂 pic.twitter.com/LlMwcBvIKR

— Troll cricket unlimitedd (@TUnlimitedd) August 24, 2025

Australia 431/2 in 50 overs.
Marnus Labuschagne didn't even get to bat.
Had he batted he would've scored 50 runs of 85 balls and Australia would've ended up with 375. 😂😂
Australia dodged a bullet 😂 pic.twitter.com/QnI2tyTKUs

— Troll cricket unlimitedd (@TUnlimitedd) August 24, 2025

15 overs to go in the first innings, and the Proteas have finally broken the opening partnership! 🙌🇿🇦

Australia is 256/1 after 35 overs. 🏏 #WozaNawe pic.twitter.com/R52PTZAdYm

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) August 24, 2025

Head - 142 (103).
Green - 118* (55).
Marsh - 100 (106).
Carey - 50* (37).

AUSTRALIA POSTED 431/2 AGAINST SOUTH AFRICA. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/6yWG6Cxg9Y

— ABD (@FAheemAli_14) August 24, 2025

Head 142, Green 118*, Marsh 100, Carey 50*: Australia smash 431/2. Rampage. 🇦🇺🔥 pic.twitter.com/nsCJYcmSML

— Chris Felix (@ChrisFeliii) August 24, 2025

HUNDRED FOR CAMERON GREEN FROM JUST 47 BALLS...!!!! 🥶🔥

- Second Fastest Hundred by an Australian in ODI History, One of the Iconic Knocks ever, Brutal Ball striking at its best by the future. pic.twitter.com/dcfYI9W8GK

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) August 24, 2025

Cameron Green turned down an easy single and then went 6, 6, 6! 😱 #AUSvSA pic.twitter.com/voNCrHoZcV

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) August 24, 2025

Travis Head - 142(103)
Cameron Green - 118*(55)
Mitchell Marsh - 100(106)
Alex Carey - 50*(37)

AUSTRALIA POSTED 431/2 FROM 50 OVERS AGAINST SOUTH AFRICA - Their Second highest total in ODI History. pic.twitter.com/VMChpSul8s

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) August 24, 2025

In the third and final ODI of the home series against South Africa, the Australian top-order batters thrashed all the Proteas bowlers to manage the first innings total of 431/2 in 50 overs. During that unforgettable innings, the Australian centurion top-order batters rewrote the rare ODI record.

While Australia have already lost the series, as the visitors are leading the series by 2-0 before the last game of the ODI series at Mackay, the hosts captain Mitchell Marsh chose to bat first in the last ODI. 

Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, and Cameron Green scored centuries for Australia

Australian openers Travis Head and captain Mitchell Marsh smashed a 250-run partnership for the first wicket, which was Australia's fifth-highest opening partnership and the highest opening partnership for any team against South Africa. Head completed his seventh ODI century in 80 balls, and Marsh recorded his fourth ODI century in 105 balls. 

With the help of 17 fours and five sixes, Head scored 142 runs off 103 balls. Meanwhile, skipper Marsh scored 100 off 106 balls with the help of six fours and five sixes. 

For the unbroken third wicket, Cameron Green and Alex Carey slammed a 164-run partnership from just 82 balls. Green slammed his maiden ODI century in just 47 balls to record the second-fastest ODI century by an Australian cricketer. He scored 118 not out off 55 balls, where the right-handed batter slammed six fours and eight sixes. On the other hand, Carey scored 50 not out off 37 balls with seven fours. 

[WATCH] Stunning crowd catch of Mitchell Marsh during AUS vs SA 3rd ODI as video goes viral

All three top batters scored centuries in an ODI innings

It was the second time in ODI history that all the top three batters scored centuries in an ODI innings. The first such incident happened during the 2015 Johannesburg ODI, when the top three South African batters created history for the first time against the West Indies. After openers Hashim Amla and Rilee Rossouw scored 153 not out and 128 runs, skipper AB de Villiers slammed the fastest ODI hundred and scored 149 runs in just 44 balls. 

While all the top four Aussie batters scored 50 or more runs in the innings, it was the 23rd time in ODI history that experienced all four top batters with 50+ runs in the same ODI innings.