Australia vs India 1st ODI Match - Live Cricket Score, Full Scorecard

Back for the second innings! Indian players are out, taking their respective positions while the two openers of Australia have also walked out, where Travis Head will open the innings alongside the skipper, Mitchell Marsh. Mohammed Siraj has the new ball in his hands, and he will start the proceedings. Let's play...

... The Run Chase ...

Now, the equation is simple but not easy - Australia need 131 runs, DLS target, off 26 overs to take the lead in this ODI series. Sounds straightforward, right? But hang on - the pitch has looked tricky, the ball’s been seaming around, and India’s got enough bowling depth to make things interesting. Will Australia cruise home, or will India’s pacers turn this into a gripping low-scoring thriller? Surely, Australia have the advantage, but we have seen everything happening in cricket. So hop on for the second innings, which is about to begin.

After the rain finally decided to let them play, the Indian innings found some rhythm. Axar, promoted up the order, played a bit well, while Rahul looked fluent, even smacking two gorgeous back-to-back sixes off Matthew Short. Just when they started to threaten, Matthew Kuhnemann and debutant Mitchell Owen came in to spoil the party, picking up key wickets. The lower order tried to finish with a flourish with Nitish Reddy’s two towering sixes in the last over, getting the crowd going, but India were still restricted to 136.

Speaking of rain - the real headline act! The match stopped four times, with India’s momentum getting chopped like a soggy sandwich. First, when they were 25/3 in 8.5 overs, it became a 49-over game. Then another pause at 37/3, which trimmed it to 35 overs. Again at 46/4 in 14.2 overs, it went down to 32 overs, and finally, the fourth interruption at 52/4 in 16.4 overs cut it all the way to just 26 overs per side. Each time India seemed ready to rebuild, the skies poured. By the time Axar Patel and KL Rahul tried to steady things, they were practically batting in a stop-motion movie.

Well, Mitchell Marsh won the toss and had no second thoughts about bowling first under those moody, overcast skies. And oh boy, what a start! Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc were accurate with their lines and lengths, bowling those teasing lengths that made the Indian top order dance to their tunes. Rohit tried to be a bit aggressive but edged one to second slip. Kohli went for a drive away from his body and found backward point, and Shubman Gill, the new skipper, got strangled down the leg side. Three wickets inside the Powerplay - 25/3! Talk about a storm before the rain!

Rain, wickets, and a whole lot of chaos - that’s how you’d sum up this roller-coaster of an innings in one line! India finish with 136/9 in 26 overs, and honestly, they’d admit that they are short of what they wanted. The top order looked rusty, the rain breaks broke the rhythm, and the Aussie quicks were simply too hot to handle. But the two sixes in the last over by Nitish Kumar Reddy gave India a fighting finish. Still, this score looks more 'scrappy' than solid, and now it’s over to the bowlers to make something magical happen for the Indians, while the Aussies would be happy going at this break.

Matthew Kuhnemann to Nitish Kumar Reddy, SIX! A strong finish from Nitish Kumar Reddy! Kuhnemann flights it up. Not that full in length, and on middle and leg. Nitish Kumar Reddy gets low and heaves it massively over long on for a biggie. 13 off the final over and INDIA FINISH ON 136/9.

Matthew Kuhnemann to Nitish Kumar Reddy, JUST IN! Quicker and flatter outside off. Reddy swings hard at it, off the front foot but gets an inside edge onto the body. Siraj again looks to pinch in a single, but Nitish sends him back immediately. Philippe reacts in a flash, seeing Siraj struggling to retreat. He sprints forward, picks the ball up, and fires a sharp underarm throw at the bowler’s end. He scores a direct hit, but Siraj has just made his ground in time. The side-on replay affirms the same.

Matthew Kuhnemann to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Around off, on a length, this is swatted away from NKR to long on. Siraj is keen to get a single, but gets a send-back from Reddy.

Matthew Kuhnemann to Nitish Kumar Reddy, SIX! He has picked the bones out of it! Drops it into the wheel house, does Kuhnemann, on the middle stump line. Nitish Kumar Reddy sits down and finds the middle of the blade before slog sweeping it powerfully over deep mid-wicket for a huge six. That was a six at any venue in the world.

Mohammed Siraj is the last man in.

Matthew Kuhnemann to Nitish Kumar Reddy, OUT! ARSHDEEP SINGH IS RUN OUT! A good-length delivery on the middle stump line, this is worked away across the line toward deep square leg. Reddy instantly calls for two and turns back sharply, but Arshdeep is slow to respond and late on the turn. The throw from the deep square leg fielder, Nathan Ellis, comes in quickly to Kuhnemann, stationed right behind the stumps at the non-striker's end. He collects cleanly and whips off the bails in one motion. Arshdeep is miles short of his crease, and the replays confirm the same.

Matthew Kuhnemann to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Fullish delivery, on the stumps, Nitish Kumar Reddy swings for the hills but only gets a thick inside edge towards short fine leg for a single.

Arshdeep Singh walks in next to bat.

Mitchell Owen to Harshit Rana, OUT! TOP EDGE AND GONE! Short and outside off. Harshit Rana stands tall in the crease and swings across the line, but only manages to get a thick top edge. The ball hangs in the air, over the stumps at the batting end. The keeper, Josh Philippe, calls for the catch and gathers it safely in his mitts by running forward. Harshit Rana departs on 1 (2) and India are 123/8.

Mitchell Owen to Nitish Kumar Reddy, IN THE AIR AND DROPPED! Renshaw did well to reach it, but grasses at the last second. Into the hitting arc again from Owen, on middle and leg. Nitish Kumar Reddy gets the front foot out of the way, but like KL Rahul, he does not get the timing right and sails it only as far as long on. Matt Renshaw runs in a few yards to his forward-right and tries to take a sliding catch. But, he goes with a crocodile approach to take the catch, around the chest, and spills it.

Mitchell Owen to Harshit Rana, Full and outside off, Harshit Rana swings wildly and top edges it towards point for a single.

Harshit Rana is the new batter in.

Mitchell Owen to KL Rahul, OUT! IN THE AIR AND GONE! Two debutants combine to get rid of KL Rahul. First ODI wicket for Mitchell Owen. It is a slot ball, on middle and leg, KL Rahul clears the front leg and tries to clear long on, but does not time it well. It goes off the toe end and finds the safe hands of Matt Renshaw stationed at long off. Renshaw bends low and, with fingers pointing towards the sky, he takes a simple catch around the chest level. KL Rahul departs for a well-constructed 38 (31) and India are 121/7 after 24.3 overs.

Mitchell Owen to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Short and outside off, Nitish Kumar Reddy stands tall and pulls it to deep square leg for a single.

Mitchell Owen to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Full and angled at the toes, Nitish Kumar Reddy with a little chip over mid-wicket for a couple of quick runs as Matt Renshaw has a lot of acreage to cover in the deep.

Matthew Kuhnemann to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Quicker at 90.3 kph, on a length, on the leg stump line. Nitish Kumar Reddy is rushed on the back foot to pull, but the ball skids through and goes off the inside edge to short fine leg for a single. Just 4 runs from it. 3-0-13-2 so far for Matthew Kuhnemann.

Matthew Kuhnemann to KL Rahul, Length ball, on middle, KL Rahul walks forward and drills it down to long off for a single.

Matthew Kuhnemann to Nitish Kumar Reddy, First ODI run for Nitish Kumar Reddy! This is on a dragged length, on middle. NKR works it to long on for a single.

Nitish Kumar Reddy walks in next to bat on his ODI debut.

Matthew Kuhnemann to Washington Sundar, OUT! BOWLED! Matthew Kuhnemann strikes again, and this is developing into a really brilliant spell from him. From around the stumps, Kuhnemann dishes out a tossed-up delivery, on a fractionally fuller length, on the middle stump line. Washington Sundar goes for the reverse sweep, but is well deceived by the flight on the ball and attempts the shot too early. Hence, the ball grazes the glove and disturbs the timber. Washington Sundar departs for a run-a-ball 10 and India are 115/6 after 23.3 overs.

Matthew Kuhnemann to KL Rahul, Sees KL Rahul advancing, Matthew Kuhnemann varies the pace and pulls the length back, on middle. KL Rahul manages to squeeze out some room and drives it to long off for a single.

Matthew Kuhnemann to KL Rahul, Fires it very full and straight, outside off. KL Rahul carves it to the right of the bowler.

Nathan Ellis to Washington Sundar, Wide yorker, outside off, Washington Sundar jams the bat down in time and it goes off the inside edge of the bat. Passes close to the stumps and rolls back to the keeper. Nathan Ellis is done with his spell with figures of 5-1-29-1.

Nathan Ellis to Washington Sundar, FOUR! Brilliant execution! A slower short delivery, on the middle stump line. Washington Sundar shuffles across the stumps early and hooks it over the keeper's head for a one-bounce boundary.

Nathan Ellis to KL Rahul, Back of a length, a slower one, on the leg stump line. KL Rahul waits back and nudges it to the vacant mid-wicket region. Nathan Ellis himself cuts the ball with a slide. A single taken.

Nathan Ellis to KL Rahul, WIDE! Bowls from around the stumps and slides it far across the batter, beyond the tramline on the off side. KL Rahul leaves. Wide called.

Nathan Ellis to Washington Sundar, A deceptive back-of-the-hand slower one at just 113.2 kph, full and on middle. Washington Sundar heaves it across to deep square leg for a single.

Nathan Ellis to Washington Sundar, Skids through the deck, on a good length at 138.4 kph. Tucks Sundar for room as he tries to pull it away, but misses and wears it around the box.

Nathan Ellis to KL Rahul, Ellis is back on. Keeps it full and wide outside off. KL Rahul stretches his hands out and carves it through backward point for a single.

Matthew Kuhnemann to KL Rahul, Finishes off really well, does Matthew Kuhnemann! This is short and around the off and middle stumps. KL Rahul backs away and punches it to deep extra cover for a single. Just 4 singles off this over.

Matthew Kuhnemann to Washington Sundar, Shortens the length, on the leg stump. Washington Sundar tucks it through mid-wicket for a single.

Matthew Kuhnemann to Washington Sundar, Much fuller on middle and leg. Washington Sundar switches his stance and reverse sweeps it, but finds short fine leg.

Matthew Kuhnemann to KL Rahul, Spots KL Rahul charging down the track, Matthew Kuhnemann darts one into the leg stump line, on a length. KL Rahul adjusts well and nudges it with soft hands to widish mid-wicket for a single.

Matthew Kuhnemann to Washington Sundar, Drops short and on the stumps, Washington Sundar rocks back and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Matthew Kuhnemann to KL Rahul, Drifting on the pads, on a length. KL Rahul hangs deep in the crease and tucks it through wide square leg for a single.

Matthew Short to Washington Sundar, On the shorter side, outside off, Washington Sundar rocks back and cuts it to beat the diving backward point fielder to his left. Two runs are taken before Mitchell Starc can mop it up from deep point to his right. Rahul wants the third but is sent back. 17 runs off the over. 100 UP FOR INDIA!

Matthew Short to KL Rahul, Short drags his length back and bowls it outside off. Rahul presses back and cuts it to deep point for one.

Matthew Short to KL Rahul, SIX MORE! KL Rahul is turning it on! Full and around middle, a bit straighter. KL Rahul again advances and smokes it over the long on fence for another biggie.

Matthew Short to KL Rahul, SIX! BELTED! Flatter, full and around off, KL Rahul uses his feet and clubs it straight down the ground back over the bowler's head for a biggie.

Matthew Short to Washington Sundar, Pushed through, full and around off, Sundar lunges and drives it a bit uppishly back towards the bowler. Matthew Short flings himself to his right with his extended right hand, but the ball doesn't stick to it. It rolls away towards cover and they take a single.

Matthew Short to KL Rahul, Begins with a short delivery, around off, worked away to deep mid-wicket for a single by KL.

Washington Sundar is in at number 7. Spin in tandem. Here's Matthew Short into the attack, replacing Nathan Ellis.

Matthew Kuhnemann to Axar Patel, OUT! TAKEN! Matthew Kuhnemann strikes in his first over, and half of the Indian side is back in the hut now. Brave bowling, actually, from Kuhnemann with shorter boundaries down the ground. He bowls a flatter delivery, full and around off, getting it to drift in with that around-the-wicket angle. Axar Patel gets down and tries to take on the bowler, but fails to get underneath. Manages to hit it off the toe end of the bat, and doesn't get the elevation, or the distance. The ball travels flat to long on, where Matt Renshaw takes it around his chest. A decent knock from Axar Patel comes to an end. He departs for 31 (38). India are 84/5.

Matthew Kuhnemann to KL Rahul, Dragged back length and around off, KL rocks back and punches it down to sweeper cover for one.

Matthew Kuhnemann to KL Rahul, Much quicker and shorter too, outside off, Rahul gets across and tries to drag it with a pull shot but misses to connect.

Matthew Kuhnemann to KL Rahul, Again, a short delivery, around middle, KL Rahul clears his front leg away and pulls it over the mid-wicket fielder. Matthew Short runs across to his left from deep square leg and dives to make a stop. Two runs taken.

Matthew Kuhnemann to Axar Patel, Flatter and shorter, around middle, Axar gets inside the line and clips it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Matthew Kuhnemann to Axar Patel, Quicker, full and outside off, Axar Patel backs away, gets down and tries to slog-sweep it but misses.

The wheels are moving forward for India now. They have added 26 runs in the last 2 overs. A quick switch to the T20I mode. Easier said than done, though. Here's Matthew Kuhnemann into the attack, replacing Mitchell Owen.

Nathan Ellis to KL Rahul, FOUR! DISDAINED! Short of a length and around middle. KL Rahul presses back, as he was expecting this length, and lofts it over the mid-wicket fielder for the back-to-back boundaries. A big one for India as 15 came from this over.

Nathan Ellis to KL Rahul, FOUR! POWERFUL! A slower delivery, on a length and down the leg side, following the batter. KL Rahul backs away to make room and thrashes it to the right of mid off for a boundary.

Nathan Ellis to Axar Patel, Hard length and outside off, Patel hangs back and cuts it to deep backward point for one.

Nathan Ellis to Axar Patel, FOUR! SHOT!! Short of a length and around off, Axar Patel presses back, gets on top of the bounce and pulls it down to the left of mid on for a boundary.

Nathan Ellis to KL Rahul, On a length, around middle but with pace taken off. Rahul clears his front leg away and tries to force a pull shot. Ends up mistiming it to the left of mid-wicket, where Travis Head makes a good stop to his left by diving.

Nathan Ellis to Axar Patel, LEG BYE! From around the wicket, hard length and angling down leg. Axar backs away but gets cramped. Tries to work across the line, but misses. The ball hits his thigh pad and rolls away towards backward square leg. A leg bye is sneaked.

Mitchell Owen to Axar Patel, Short of a length, angling in, around middle, swiped away to deep backward square leg for one.

Mitchell Owen to Axar Patel, Bowled it full and around off, Patel flicks it to mid on and sets off for a single. However, Rahul is caught ball-watching, and he sends Axar back from halfway down the pitch.

Mitchell Owen to Axar Patel, FOUR! SMASHED! Owen overcompensates and bowls it too full, around off. Axar Patel transfers his weight on his front foot quickly and lofts it over mid on for a boundary.

Mitchell Owen to Axar Patel, EDGED AND FOUR! Short of a length and around middle, Axar Patel presses back, swivels and looks to pull it. But as the ball gets some extra bounce, Axar gets a top edge that flies over the keeper behind the wickets for a boundary.

Mitchell Owen to KL Rahul, Pitched up, full and around off, Rahul prods forward and pushes it towards mid off for a quick single.

Mitchell Owen to Axar Patel, On a good length and around off, Patel hangs back and steers it to deep third for a single.

Mitchell Owen to bowl? Yes, he will. Went for four runs off his first over.

Nathan Ellis to Axar Patel, Angling in from around the wicket, on a length and around middle, Axar goes back, waits and runs it down to deep third for one.

Nathan Ellis to KL Rahul, A yorker, around off, Rahul brings his bat down in time and jams it to the left of cover. Sneaks a quick single.

All set to resume again. The umpires and players make their way out. The hand-warmers are out as well, with some of the Aussie players helping themselves as it has gotten a bit chilly out there. KL Rahul and Axar Patel walk out to resume their batting. Also, according to the revised playing conditions, 1 bowler can bowl a maximum of 6 overs, and 4 bowlers can bowl 5 overs each. So, the frontline Australian pace of Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc has been extinguished. It is either part-time pace or full time spin for the hosts. For now, Nathan Ellis (2.4-1-5-1) will complete his over. KL Rahul to face. Here we go...

UPDATE - 1.50 pm IST (8.20 am GMT) - Well, the rain has stopped, and the covers are coming off. We have an official resumption time as well. Play will resume at 2 pm IST (8.30 am GMT) and it has further been reduced to a 26 OVERS PER SIDE CONTEST. Let's just hope that this was the final stoppage, and going by the radar, there shouldn't be any further drizzle. But, let's just not challenge nature. All we can do is hope. The Aussies get into the middle for warm-ups, again.

UPDATE - 1.37 pm IST (8.07 am GMT) - Things are still gloomy, and the delay is getting extended. Okay, here is some good news - the covers are getting peeled off from the outfield, though the pitch is still covered. The umpires are down, having conversations with the head of the groundstaff. As it seems, the drizzle has returned, the umpires have put the umbrellas back on.

Rain seems to be following cricket wherever it goes this week. Colombo saw around four important Women’s World Cup matches washed out, and Christchurch lost a T20I between New Zealand and England to the same fate. Hopefully, this one doesn’t join that list. But remember, we need at least 20 overs per side for an ODI to be deemed complete. Given that we have already lost more than 20 minutes since the latest delay, the overs might be shrunk below 30, one presumes. It’s been one of those stop-start kind of days, and with the weather playing its mood swings, who knows what’s next. Fingers crossed, at the very least, let’s hope we get a result from this series opener.

UPDATE - 1.06 pm IST (7.36 am GMT) - Uggh...ohh! The rain gods are up for their services again, and the play has been interrupted for the umpteenth time today. The crowd boos in frustration as the umpires ask the players to trudge back. The hard-working ground staff rush to the middle and place the big white sheet over the pitch to cover it. Still, the crowd is hanging and has come in good numbers, waiting patiently. The waiting game has started once again. Let's see how long this delay will be. It hasn't been a heavy, intense downpour at all throughout the stoppages, but just enough to stop the game of cricket.

Game stopped due to : Rain Stoppage

Nathan Ellis to Axar Patel, Short and outside off, Axar Patel plays it late off the back foot and guides it to deep third for a single.

Nathan Ellis to Axar Patel, Around the stumps, full and outside off, confidently driven by Axar on the front foot, but straight to the man at extra cover.

Nathan Ellis to KL Rahul, Back of a length, on off, KL Rahul punches off the back foot, between cover and point, and pinches in a quick single.

Nathan Ellis to KL Rahul, Ellis hurls it short and outside off, with extra bounce, KL Rahul hangs deep in the crease and steers it to cover-point.

Mitchell Starc to Axar Patel, Brilliant execution from Starc! Shaping away from outside off, on a good length. Axar Patel stands tall and dabs it to backward point. Mitchell Starc's figures read 6-1-22-1 so far.

Mitchell Starc to Axar Patel, Slips in a knee-length full toss, on the stumps. Axar Patel is flummoxed, but manages to push it to the left of the bowler.

Mitchell Starc to KL Rahul, Short one, on top of middle. KL Rahul gets the ball high on the bat and taps it across to the square leg region for a single. 50 UP FOR INDIA!

Mitchell Starc to Axar Patel, Swings away, very full, wide outside off. Axar Patel carves to to deep third for a single.

Mitchell Starc to Axar Patel, Curves away late from outside off, on a fuller length. Axar Patel does not quite get to the pitch of the ball and wafts at it away from the body. Gets beaten past the outside edge.

Mitchell Starc to Axar Patel, Spears it full and on off, Axar Patel gets on the front foot and forces it towards mid off.

Spin? Nooo, Mitchell Starc is back. Probably, the skipper, Mitchell Marsh, wants to use his best guns to take more wickets before any other rain break can halt the play.

Nathan Ellis to KL Rahul, JUST SHORT! This one shapes away on a fractionally fuller length, outside off. KL Rahul slashes hard at it, and the ball goes on the bounce towards Cooper Connolly at backward point.

Nathan Ellis to Axar Patel, Short again, on the leg stump. Axar steers it to the deep square leg region for a single.

Nathan Ellis to KL Rahul, Length-delivery at 134.1 kph, on off. KL Rahul stands tall and cuts it to the right of the diving backward point fielder for a single.

Nathan Ellis to KL Rahul, Short of a length, popping up off the deck, on middle. KL Rahul lets the ball arrive, and taps it off the splice of the bat to the off side.

OKAY, the wait is over! The Aussie players are again out in the middle, and so are the two unbeaten batters of India, where Axar Patel will resume the innings alongside KL Rahul. The final target for Australia will be adjusted through DLS. Nathan Ellis will bowl to complete his over, which has four balls remaining. Here we go...

UPDATE - 12.46 pm IST (7.16 am GMT) - The rain has eased out and looks like it is stopped completely. The umpires are out without their umbrellas, having a chat with the head of the groundstaff. Good news, folks! The covers are getting removed, and we can hear about the starting time very soon. The supersoppers are working to dry out the field. The update is just around the corner, as it looks, as the last sheet which was placed on the pitch has been peeled off now. Okay, here is the resumption time - 12.55 pm IST (7.25 am GMT), and the contest is further chopped down to 32 overs per side now, with 2 bowlers allowed to bowl 7 overs maximum, while three bowlers can bowl a maximum of 6 overs each according to the revised playing conditions.

Game stopped due to : Rain Stoppage

UPDATE - 12.32 pm IST (7.02 am GMT) - Oh... NOOOO! The drizzle is back, and the umpires have disrupted the stumps, which means the players are walking off. It is getting frustrating for the players with this stop-start play. Looks like it is just a passing shower, but the covers have been brought on. The big white sheet is placed on the pitch.

Nathan Ellis to Axar Patel, Hard length, on middle and leg, Axar Patel nudges it between square leg and mid-wicket for a single.

Nathan Ellis to Axar Patel, Good length on middle, skidding through. Axar Patel blocks off the back foot.

Josh Hazlewood to KL Rahul, Good-length delivery, just outside off, KL Rahul lets it be. Excellent spell from Josh Hazlewood comes to an end with figures reading 7-2-20-2.

Josh Hazlewood to KL Rahul, Nagging length, around off, KL Rahul watches it closely before leaving it.

Josh Hazlewood to KL Rahul, A rib-tickler from Hoff! Slams the deck really hard, targeting the bodyline of the batter with bounce. KL Rahul rises with the lift off the deck and tries to nudge around the corner, and manages to fend into the leg side.

Josh Hazlewood to KL Rahul, Back of a length, outside off, left alone by KL Rahul.

KL Rahul walks in at 6.

Josh Hazlewood to Shreyas Iyer, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Brilliant stuff from Hazlewood and an equally spectacular catch from Josh Philippe behind the stumps. Josh Hazlewood spears in a short delivery and angles it onto the leg stump line. Extracts a good bit of bounce as well. Shreyas Iyer gets inside the line and shapes to glance it off the pads to the leg side, but gets undone due to the bounce. He gets cramped, and the ball grazes the glove and flies to the left of Phillipe. The Aussie keeper flings himself in that direction and takes a superb catch by stretching out both hands. Shreyas Iyer walks to Axar Patel for a chat, but decides not to take the review and walks back to the dressing room. The UltraEdge later shows that it nicked the glove on the way to the keeper. Shreyas Iyer departs for 11 (24) and India are 45/4 after 13.2 overs. A smart correction from Hazlewood. He went for a boundary on the off line in the last ball of his previous over, and immediately adjusted his angle. And once again, he proves why he’s been Iyer’s nemesis across formats.

Josh Hazlewood to Shreyas Iyer, Short of a length, on the leg stump. Shreyas Iyer hops in the crease and bunts it down the pitch.

Mitchell Owen to Axar Patel, Back of a length, around the off stump line. Axar Patel plays from the crease and slices it a bit uppishly, but wide of backward point for a couple of runs. Decent start for Owen. Just 4 off his first over.

Mitchell Owen to Axar Patel, Short in length, on top of off. Axar Patel hops on the toes, and cuts it to backward point.

Mitchell Owen to Axar Patel, On the stumps, on a length. Axar Patel chops it off the back foot.

Mitchell Owen to Shreyas Iyer, Hard length, on the fifth stump, nipping away. Shreyas Iyer hangs back and looks to punch on the up, but gets a thick outside edge. The ball rolls behind to deep third for a single.

Mitchell Owen to Axar Patel, Angling across the batter on a hard length. Axar Patel tries to punch it on the rise, but the ball goes off the inside edge and rolls towards the square leg region. Shreyas calls Axar through for a quick single.

Mitchell Owen to Axar Patel, A low full toss, around off. Axar drills it straight back to Owen.

Spin? Nope, the skipper, Mitchell Marsh, has called in the medium pace of Mitchell Owen.

Josh Hazlewood to Shreyas Iyer, FOUR! Well, that is some positive start! Hard length from Josh, outside off. Not too much width to work with, but Shreyas Iyer stands tall, lets the ball arrive and cuts it through backward point for a cracking boundary.

We are set to resume the action. The Aussies stride out to take their respective positions while the two unbeaten batters, Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel, have also walked out. And 5 bowlers can bowl a maximum of 7 overs each, which leaves Australia to figure out, as most of the overs of Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood have been consumed already. Hazlewood will complete his over by bowling the last delivery. Here we go...

UPDATE - 12.08 pm IST (6.38 am GMT) - We have an official update. The game has been reduced to a 35 OVER CONTEST. And the play will resume at 12.20 pm IST (6.50 am GMT). The players of Australia have walked out and are indulging in warm-ups beside the boundary cushions. The final target for Australia will be adjusted through DLS.

UPDATE - 12.02 pm IST (6.32 am GMT) - Good news, folks. It has stopped raining. The covers are being peeled off the pitch as well and the umpires are out for another inspection, with umbrellas down. More positive news. They give thumbs up to the dressing rooms and now, the main hessian cover is also being removed. There is a constant discussion between the chief of ground staff and the umpires. The Super Sopper is out, making a tour of the ground to dry the wet patches. It is still overcast, but there is a good breeze blowing across as well. Stick around for the official resumption time.

FUN FACT - The Optus Stadium, or Perth Stadium if you prefer, hasn’t exactly been Australia’s happy hunting ground. They’ve played three ODIs here before this one… and lost all three, each to a different opponent. Defeat against England and South Africa back in 2018, and against Pakistan in November 2024. Magnifying more into this stat, they were bowled out well below 200 against the Proteas and Pakistan, while batting first, and lost a close game to England, chasing the target. This also marks the first-ever ODI clash between Australia and India at this very venue.

UPDATE - 11.37 am IST (6.07 am GMT) - The upper layer of the cover, which was taken off, has been placed once again to protect the squares. More covers are brought in now. Remember, there needs to be at least a 20-over contest, a truncated one, of course, to complete an ODI game. At the moment, there’s no official cut-off time. However, the longer the delay continues, the more overs will be reduced from the match.

UPDATE - 11.28 am IST (5.58 am GMT) - Ermmm... the drizzle is back as it looks like - though the umpires are down onto the ground with their umbrellas on, trying to inspect the conditions. The big white sheet is still placed on the pitch, and there are dark, threatening clouds looming over the ground. Still, the intensity of the rain isn't that high, but things aren't looking good for now. Hop on for more updates!

UPDATE - 11.10 am IST (5.40 am GMT) - The rain has stopped. One of the layers of cover protecting the squares has been removed as well, but for now, the pitch remains under covers. The umpires are out in the middle, and more importantly, with their umbrellas folded. They are having a conference with the chief of the ground staff, it seems. All signs point towards a resumption very soon. Stay tuned as the official word might be around the corner.

UPDATE - 11 am IST (5.30 am GMT) - Still raining in Perth. In fact, it has been a steady spell for quite a while now. No movement in the middle at all. Meanwhile, live visuals pan into the Indian dressing room. Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma are indulging in a detailed conversation. We will keep you updated.

UPDATE - 10.43 am IST (5.13 am GMT) - The drizzle has intensified again, and additional covers have been brought in. The Super Soppers are working to dry the field. This match had already been shortened to 49-overs-per-side due to the initial rain break, and it is expected to be further reduced when the play resumes.

UPDATE - 10.31 am IST (5.01 am GMT) - The rain has seemed to ease out, and one of the covers has come out, while the umpires are down with their umbrellas on. We can hear about the start time pretty soon. Still, the big white sheet is placed over the pitch so the drizzle hasn't stopped completely.

UPDATE - 10.20 am IST (4.50 am GMT) - Oh, the rain has intensified now, and this can be a bit of a long delay. The players have made their way back to the dressing room, while more covers are being brought in to cover the pitch. The squares, however, are still not fully covered. The Junior, Mark Waugh, on air mentions that it usually doesn't rain much in this part of the country, and it is a bit unusual. It looks like this is going to be a slightly longer delay than the previous one.

UPDATE - 10.10 am IST (4.40 am GMT) - Uh...oh! The drizzle is back, and the umpires have decided to go back. The players are walking back, and this is a shame, getting another interruption in such a short time. It does look like a passing shower, but the covers have rolled in to cover the pitch. Ravi Shastri on air mentions that it is spitting at the moment and is not heavy at all.

Game stopped due to : Rain Stoppage

Josh Hazlewood to Shreyas Iyer, Fuller this time, around off, Shreyas Iyer gets forward and steers it to the backward point fielder.

Josh Hazlewood to Shreyas Iyer, Hard length, around off and middle. Shreyas Iyer blocks off the back foot to the off side.

Josh Hazlewood to Shreyas Iyer, WIDE! This one just flies over the head height, short and outside off. Iyer patiently lets it be. Josh Philippe collects it around his chest. Wide called.

Josh Hazlewood to Shreyas Iyer, Back of a length, on top of middle, Shreyas Iyer rides the bounce and punches it to the cover region.

Josh Hazlewood to Axar Patel, Hard length, on the leg stump line again. Axar Patel gets on the back foot, and steers it through backward square leg for a single.

Josh Hazlewood to Axar Patel, Touch full, on the leg stump line. Axar Patel tucks it to mid-wicket.

Mitchell Starc to Axar Patel, Short of a good length, outside off, Axar Patel stands tall, gets on top of it and cuts it along the ground, to the right of the diving backward point fielder. The ball loses its steam as it rolls in the vast pocket in the deep and is mopped up by the fielder from the inner ring. Three taken.

Mitchell Starc to Axar Patel, On top of off, on a length. Axar Patel waits back and taps it gently into the off side.

Mitchell Starc to Shreyas Iyer, Hard length from Starc, outside off, with some extra bounce. Shreyas Iyer rises on the toes and cuts it to the left of backward point. The fielder dives and makes a half-stop, parrying the ball to the widish deep third region. A single taken.

Mitchell Starc to Shreyas Iyer, Nagging length, on off, Shreyas Iyer lets the ball come at him, plays close to the body and taps it to the cover-point region with soft hands.

Mitchell Starc to Shreyas Iyer, Back of a length, outside off, Shreyas Iyer cuts it a bit uppishly, to the right of the diving backward point for a couple of runs.

Mitchell Starc to Axar Patel, Very full and around off, Axar Patel carves it through cover and point. The ball isn't timed well enough and slows down in the deep. It is chased by the point fielder, and the batters cross for three runs. Oh, hang on. The third umpire checks for a short run. Axar Patel, while turning back for the third run, didn't tap or slide the bat completely inside the crease at the bowling end, and lost his balance a bit as well. The side-on replay confirms that it is a short run as there is no part of the bat inside the line. So, only two will be added to the score.

End of the first Powerplay! The fielding side can now have a maximum of four fielders outside the 30-yard circle till the 40th over. Australia have been clinical in their approach and execution, taking the top three top order wickets, while India are in a tough situation. Also, Mitchell Starc returns.

Josh Hazlewood to Axar Patel, On a length and outside off. Axar prods forward and steers it to deep third for a single to get off the mark. India are 27/3 at the end of the first Powerplay.

Josh Hazlewood to Shreyas Iyer, On a good length and outside off, Iyer waits well and runs it down to deep third for a single.

Josh Hazlewood to Shreyas Iyer, With upright seam, full and outside off, Iyer lets it go.

Josh Hazlewood to Shreyas Iyer, There is some extra bounce again, short delivery, angling in, and around off. Shreyas tries to hop up and defend but gets hit high on his handle of the bat. The ball drops down into the deck.

Josh Hazlewood to Shreyas Iyer, Short of a length and over the top of the off stump. Iyer gets on top of the bounce and taps it down to backward point.

Josh Hazlewood to Shreyas Iyer, SLASH AND MISS! Back of a length and outside off, Shreyas presses back and looks to cut it but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Nathan Ellis to Axar Patel, Pitched up, full and outside off, going away from the batter. Axar tries to drive it off his front foot but gets beaten on the outside edge. A wicket-maiden for Ellis.

The players make their way out again and we are set to resume. The forecast, however, shows that the rain is expected in patches. But for now, the sun is out through the cloud cover, as Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel walk to the crease. Nathan Ellis to resume and finish his over. Also, it is now revised to a 49 OVER PER SIDE CONTEST. Revised playing conditions for the fielding side - four bowlers are allowed to bowl 10 overs, and one bowler can bowl a maximum of 9 overs.

UPDATE - 9.50 am IST (4.20 am GMT) - It looks like the rain has stopped and the covers are coming off. The thick white sheet is being peeled off before the under-cover is taken off. The stumps are erected again in the pitch and the Australian players are ready at the sidelines. They would be itching to get back in the middle after such a strong start and consolidate it.

UPDATE - 9.44 am IST (4.14 am GMT) - Ughhh. There comes the rain. The ground staff rushes in with the covers and the players walk off the field. Axar Patel is craddling his bat under his jersey to protect the willow as he rushes to the dressing room. It is a bit windy as well, and we can see a patch of blue skies, so hopefully, it won't be a long delay. The pitch has been covered, but the squares aren't. Given the start, the Indians won't mind this break and will regroup for the way forward in this game. The Aussies, on the other hand, have been spot on so far with the new ball.

Nathan Ellis to Axar Patel, On a good length and around off, defended back to the bowler off the back foot.

Nathan Ellis to Axar Patel, Pitched up, full and around off, Patel comes forward and clips it to mid-wicket.

Nathan Ellis to Axar Patel, Back of a length, angles back in, around middle, Axar gets cramped a bit and tries to clip it but misses. The ball hits his back thigh before rolling down towards cover point.

Nathan Ellis to Axar Patel, LOOSE! Full and angling away, outside off, Axar prods forward and throws his hands at it to drive but gets beaten on the outside edge.

It has started to drizzle a bit out there. But it is not at all heavy, so we continue. Really need to have a dark background to spot the raindrops. Axar Patel has been promoted and is in at number 5.

Nathan Ellis to Shubman Gill, OUT! TAKEN! STRANGLED DOWN THE LEG SIDE! Australia are on top now, and the Indian skipper departs for 10 (18). Ellis starts with a loosener as he bowls it on a length, but it drifts down the leg side from the over-the-wicket angle. Shubman Gill tries to take advantage of that and looks to glance it fine for a boundary, but only manages to get a faint inside edge. The keeper, Josh Philippe, dives full length to his left behind the stumps and pouches it just above the turf. An appeal goes up for caught behind, and the umpire raises his finger. India are in a precarious situation, losing their top three inside the first Powerplay - 25/3.

The first bowling change from the Aussies. Here's Nathan Ellis replacing Mitchell Starc.

Josh Hazlewood to Shreyas Iyer, Moving away, full and well outside off, left alone by Shreyas.

Josh Hazlewood to Shreyas Iyer, Hurls it on the fuller length and around off, Shreyas prods forward and pushes it back to the bowler.

Josh Hazlewood to Shreyas Iyer, An effort ball, short of a length and around off. Iyer sways away from it.

Josh Hazlewood to Shreyas Iyer, On a good length and outside off, moving away. Iyer shoulders his arms.

Josh Hazlewood to Shubman Gill, Back of a length and around off, Shubman rides the bounce and taps it down to the left of mid off for a quick single.

Josh Hazlewood to Shubman Gill, Hard length and around the fourth stump line, Gill hops up and dabs it down to cover point. He wants a quick single but is sent back.

Mitchell Starc to Shreyas Iyer, Pitched up, slightly fuller and outside off, Iyer prods forward and drives it to the right of extra cover. Picks up two runs to get off the mark.

Mitchell Starc to Shreyas Iyer, Hard length and over the top of the off stump. Iyer gets on top of the bounce and taps it down to backward point.

Mitchell Starc to Shreyas Iyer, WIDE! A bit of a drifter, length delivery, slides down the leg side. Iyer tries to glance but misses. Called a wide.

Mitchell Starc to Shreyas Iyer, There's that short ball against Iyer, angling into the body, around middle. Shreays manages to duck underneath.

Mitchell Starc to Shreyas Iyer, On a back of a length and around off, with some extra bounce. Shreays rides the bounce and defends it into the deck.

Mitchell Starc to Shreyas Iyer, On a good length and around off, going away from the batter. Iyer lets it go.

India in a bit of bother with both the stalwarts back in the hut inside the Powerplay. Shreyas Iyer walks in at number 4.

Mitchell Starc to Virat Kohli, OUT! TAKEN! A STUNNER! Australia get their second and it is another big wicket for them. Starc bowls it on a length and outside off, getting it to move away from the batter with that over-the-wicket angle. Virat Kohli throws his hands at it without much foot movement and ends up getting a thick outside edge that travels flat to the left of backward point. Cooper Connolly flings himself to his left, extends both hands and snaffles it. He lands with his grip close to the ground and manages to hold on to it.  An eight-ball duck for Virat Kohli and India are 21/2 after 6.1 overs.

Josh Hazlewood is generally a hit-the-deck hard bowler. But he tried to search that swing by pitching fuller and beat Kohli on one occasion. It is windy out there and the ball is just moving and bouncing enough to keep the batters honest. Smart bowling from the Aussie front-line attack so far. The Indians haven't quite adjusted with the pace and bounce.

Josh Hazlewood to Shubman Gill, Pitched up, full and outside off, the Indian skipper shoulders his arms to let it go.

Josh Hazlewood to Shubman Gill, FOUR! CRACKING! Slightly overpitched and outside off, Shubman Gill prods forward, extends his hands and thrashes it through covers for a boundary.

Josh Hazlewood to Shubman Gill, WIDE! Third of the over! On a good length but slides down the leg side. Gill misses his flick. Called another wide.

Josh Hazlewood to Shubman Gill, Over the top of the off stump, on a back of a length, Gill gets on top of the bounce and chops it down to the left of cover.

Josh Hazlewood to Shubman Gill, On a hard length and around the fifth stump line. Shubman gets forward and goes across before dabbing it down to backward point.

Josh Hazlewood to Shubman Gill, WIDE! Sprays it down the leg side, on a fuller length. Gill looks to glance it but misses. Called a wide.

Josh Hazlewood to Shubman Gill, That swung away, full and outside off. Gill goes half-forward tentatively and tries to defend it, playing away from his body. Gets beaten on the outside edge.

Josh Hazlewood to Shubman Gill, Angling in, on a length and around middle, Gill gets behind the line and taps it down to mid-wicket.

Josh Hazlewood to Shubman Gill, WIDE! Short of a length, angling into the body of the batter, but down the leg side. Gill gets inside the line and tries to pull at first but then decides to leave it. A wide given.

Mitchell Starc to Virat Kohli, MAIDEN! Hurls it on the fuller length and outside off, Kohli plants his front leg forward and drives it to mid off.

Mitchell Starc to Virat Kohli, BEATEN! That's the area! Starc goes fuller and a bit outside off, getting it to move away with that over-the-wicket angle. Virat gets a big stride forward and throws his hands at it to drive it on the up but gets beaten on the outside edge by a kitten-whisker.

Mitchell Starc to Virat Kohli, Bowled it full and outside off, Kohli prods forward and pushes it off the inside half of the bat to mid on.

Mitchell Starc to Virat Kohli, An unexpected short ball, around off, going away from the batter. Kohli sways away from it.

Mitchell Starc to Virat Kohli, Touch fuller and angling in, around middle, clipped it to mid-wicket off the front foot by Virat.

Mitchell Starc to Virat Kohli, Back of a length and around off, Kohli rides the bounce and taps it down to backward point.

Josh Hazlewood to Shubman Gill, On a good length and well outside off, Gill lets it go.

Josh Hazlewood to Virat Kohli, Leg bye! Big appeal for LBW but the umpire turns it down. On a good length, angling in from wide of the crease, around middle and leg. Virat rises with the bounce and tries to clip it into the leg side but misses. Gets beaten on the inside edge and gets rapped high on his back thigh. Probably, the height could be the issue.

A big cheer from the crowd as Virat Kohli walks in at number 3.

Josh Hazlewood to Rohit Sharma, OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! Australia have an early breakthrough, and that extra bounce has done the thing. Hazlewood bowls it on a back of a length, keeps the line well outside off, skidding through, and tries to get it to move away from there with some extra bounce off the deck, which he generally gets. Rohit gets squared up in his crease as he tries the defensive push at it, but gets a thick outside edge which goes low towards second slip. Matt Renshaw crouches low and takes it to his left with extended hands. Rohit Sharma departs for 8 (13) and India are 13/1 after 3.4 overs.

Josh Hazlewood to Rohit Sharma, BEATEN! Lovely bowling! On a good length, moving away slightly, outside off, Rohit pokes at it and gets beaten on the outside edge.

Josh Hazlewood to Rohit Sharma, A big swing and a miss! Hard length and well outside off, with extra bounce. Rohit shifts the weight on the back foot and tries to pull across the line, but misses to connect.

Josh Hazlewood to Rohit Sharma, Lands it full and outside off, moving away from the batter. Rohit shoulders his arms.

Mitchell Starc to Rohit Sharma, Another hitting-the-deck-hard delivery, around middle, Sharma lifts his front leg and swipes it to deep backward square leg for one.

Mitchell Starc to Rohit Sharma, Back of a length, with some extra bounce, around middle, Rohit adjusts well on his back foot and manages to block it off the inside half of the bat to mid-wicket.

Mitchell Starc to Rohit Sharma, FOUR! CLASS! Starc again pitches it full and outside off, trying to find the swing. Rohit gets forward, transfers his body weight and drives it straight down the ground. The ball teases the mid off fielder's chase all the way through and wins the race as it goes for a boundary.

Mitchell Starc to Rohit Sharma, Pitched up, full and outside off, Rohit comes forward to drive but ends up slicing it off the outer half of the bat over the cover point fielder. Two runs taken.

Mitchell Starc to Rohit Sharma, A stifled appeal for LBW but the umpire shakes his head. Full and shaping in, around leg. Rohit plants his front leg forward and tries to flick it but misses. Gets beaten on the inside edge and gets rapped low on his front pad. Probably, it could be sliding down leg.

Mitchell Starc to Rohit Sharma, Attacks the stumps, on the fuller side, Rohit gets behind the line and defends it.

Josh Hazlewood to Shubman Gill, Hurls it on the fuller length and outside off, going away. Gill shoulders arms to let it go.

Josh Hazlewood to Shubman Gill, Dragged back length, around middle, angling in, Gill clips it to square leg off his back foot.

Josh Hazlewood to Shubman Gill, FOUR! GLORIOUS! Hazlewood goes fuller in search of swing but ends up overpitching it, around off. Shubman Gill prods forward, presents the full face of the bat and drives it to the right of mid off for a boundary. Didn't try to overhit it, just good timing.

Josh Hazlewood to Shubman Gill, Bowled it full and outside off, Gill shoulders his arms.

Josh Hazlewood to Shubman Gill, Spears it on a nagging length, a bit outside off, Shubman takes a step forward to negate the swing and taps it down to cover.

Josh Hazlewood to Shubman Gill, Begins with a length delivery, pitches outside off. Gill watches it carefully and lets it go.

That was some start from Starc. And that last delivery of the opening over just showed it won't be easy to bat against the new ball. Sharing the attack from the other end, here's Josh Hazlewood. Two slips in place.

Mitchell Starc to Rohit Sharma, Uhhh....! How did that miss the stumps? On a length, angles away but then shapes in sharply from around off. Rohit gets cut in half as he tries to punch it off his back foot but misses. Gets beaten on the inside edge as the ball zips over the off stump.

Mitchell Starc to Rohit Sharma, Bashes the deck hard, on a hard length and around middle, Sharma gets across on his back foot and takes a step forward before nudging it to mid-wicket.

Mitchell Starc to Rohit Sharma, On a good length, angling away, outside off, Rohit rides the bounce and dabs it down to cover point.

Mitchell Starc to Shubman Gill, Both openers are off the mark now! Touch fuller and outside off, Gill gets a good stride forward and taps it to the left of cover for a quick single. 'It is coming in,' chirps Gill to Rohit right after completing the single. Meaning, there is a bit of movement.

Mitchell Starc to Shubman Gill, Pitched up, full and angling away, outside off, Gill plants his front leg forward and goes across before shouldering his arms.

Mitchell Starc to Rohit Sharma, Starts off with a length delivery, around off, from over the wicket. Rohit prods forward and taps it to the left of mid-wicket with soft hands and sneaks a quick single to get off the mark. India are underway.

Goosebumps all around. ‘Jana Gana Mana’ and ‘Advance Australia Fair’ echo through the stadium, and both anthems are sung with sheer pride and passion. It is now time for action to get underway in Perth. A bit of sunshine peeking through the clouds welcomes the umpires and players in the middle. Mitchell Marsh leads his men out as the Aussies spread out to take their respective fielding positions. India's 28th ODI captain, Shubman Gill, is accompanied by Rohit Sharma, featuring in his 500th international cricket game. Will it swing? Well, Mitchell Starc, opening the attack for Australia will answer that straightaway. Rohit to face. Two slips in place. A spicy battle first up. 'Let's Play' says the umpire and we are all set. Off we go...

The Optus Stadium is buzzing as it is almost a full house. Not at all surprising. Now then, the players from both sides, followed by the match officials, walk out for their respective national anthems. It will be India's first, followed by that of the Australian national anthem.

The skipper of India, Shubman Gill, says that they would have bowled first as well, looking at the overhead conditions. Mentions that with the weather around, it might be a stop-start game, but the surface looks good, and the plan is to put enough runs on the board. Speaking about the team’s readiness, he says they’ve had really good preparation leading up to this game, and it’s all about getting mentally ready, as he notes, adding that most of the players were playing recently in India, and the short turnaround with a couple of practice days has kept everyone in a good mental space. Informs that Nitish Kumar Reddy will make his debut in this game, and they’re going in with three fast bowlers and three all-rounders, which he feels gives the team great balance and depth on this surface.

The captain of Australia, Mitchell Marsh, says it looks like a pretty good Perth wicket and is hopeful they will make the most of it. He says that he’s hopeful the pitch will play true and firm, though there’s a touch of moisture on it. Speaking about captaincy, Mitch mentions that it’s always an honour to lead the country, and doing so in front of what feels like a home crowd makes it even more special. On the preparations, he shares that the team has trained really well heading into this match. Adds that this rivalry always comes with a big buildup and notes that it’s shaping up to be a massive summer for Australian cricket. Talking about the transition phase, he says that a few young players have come in and are relishing the chance to represent Australia. As for the team combination, he confirms they’re going in with seven batters and four bowlers.

Australia (Playing XI) - Mitchell Marsh (C), Travis Head, Matthew Short, Josh Philippe (WK), Matt Renshaw (On ODI debut), Cooper Connolly, Mitchell Owen (On ODI debut), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Ellis, Matthew Kuhnemann, and Josh Hazlewood.

India (Playing XI) - Shubman Gill (C), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul (WK), Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy (On ODI debut), Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, and Mohammed Siraj.

TOSS - Both skippers have walked out to the middle. The conditions are looking a bit overcast, with some clouds hovering over the ground. Okay, here it is - Mitchell Marsh flips the coin and Shubman Gill calls 'heads'. It has landed 'tails' and Australia win the toss. They have elected to FIELD first.

DEBUTS ALERT - Former Indian captain Rohit Sharma presented the ODI cap to debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy, while for Australia, both Matt Renshaw and Mitchell Owen are also set to make their debuts - Shaun Marsh did the honours for Renshaw and Tim David for Owen, following a team huddle for their cap presentations.

So here we go again - India vs Australia, pride vs power, legacy vs momentum. Can India’s ‘new-but-old’ lineup make a statement away from home? Or will Marsh’s men, wounded yet fearless, defend their fortress in Perth? The rivalry’s old, the stories are fresh, and the emotions are sky-high. Strap in, as the toss and team lineups will be announced shortly!

And then comes the stage - the mighty Perth Stadium! A fast, fierce, and feisty pitch that promises early seam, flying slips, and plenty of bounce. Batters who survive the new ball will feast later, but those first 10 overs? Expect absolute chaos! Tactics will be key - India will look to play the waiting game, rotate strike, and target the spinners. Australia will attack from ball one, test the pull shots, and bring their inner aggression alive. Player battles? Starc vs Rohit, Head vs Siraj, and, oh, the grand one, Virat Kohli vs Josh Hazlewood - a duel that might just decide the tone of the entire tour.

Mitchell Starc’s fiery comeback adds a cinematic twist to Australia’s bowling. He’s rested, recharged, and ready to terrorise batters again. With Josh Hazlewood’s precision and Nathan Ellis’s clever variations, their pace trio looks lethal. The spin department may lack Zampa, but Kuhnemann’s left-arm craft and Labuschagne’s part-time tweaks could still cause trouble. What they’ll miss, though, is that middle-overs squeeze that Zampa brings. But if Starc and Hazlewood start breathing fire early, India’s top order could face a proper chin-music concert in Perth. Can India’s technique stand tall against the bounce and bite of Aussie pace? Or will Starc’s swing write the opening act of another Aussie summer?

As for Australia, they might be missing Pat Cummins and Cameron Green, but Mitchell Marsh, the ever-smiling powerhouse, steps up as captain, and don’t be fooled by that grin, because he’s been in murderous form with the bat as we saw in the recently concluded series against New Zealand. Travis Head, his partner-in-destruction, has been India’s worst nightmare for two straight years - remember those hundreds in the WTC and World Cup finals? Their middle order might look new - Renshaw, Philippe, Owen - but this is Australia, the land where debutants often turn into heroes. Their biggest weapon? Depth. Their biggest worry? Inexperience under pressure.

Bowling, though, is where India’s story gets even more intriguing. No Bumrah, no Shami, no Hardik, yet this attack screams ‘new era.’ Siraj leads the pack, his form peaking at the right time, while Arshdeep and Harshit Rana bring that raw, unfiltered aggression. Kuldeep Yadav’s spin wizardry could thrive on Perth’s big square boundaries, and Washington Sundar’s control might offer calm in the chaos. Still, India’s biggest concern? Balance. With the need for a proper seam-bowling all-rounder, they’ll rely heavily on Nitish Reddy to bridge the gap. But hey, who doesn’t love an underdog story brewing in the background?

India’s white-ball chapter opens with an emotional reunion - ‘Ro-Ko’, as they say, back in blue! The veterans, both now single-format players, return to the ODI arena after around seven months, and boy, do they bring nostalgia with them. But young Shubman is now the skipper, carrying the heavy crown of expectation. Can this generational bridge between experience and youth deliver gold? Rohit’s timing, Virat’s hunger, and Gill’s calm - it’s a complete trio at the top. Add Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul into the mix, and India’s top order looks like a buffet of elegance and explosiveness. But... can the middle order handle the heat if the Aussies land early punches? That'll remain the question.

India vs Australia - a poetry written in fire and thunder! The rivalry that has produced bruises, brilliance, and bucketloads of drama is back, this time under the blazing Perth sun. The Men in Blue have landed Down Under for a full-blown white-ball carnival, starting with the first ODI at Perth Stadium, and there’s no shortage of talking points. Rohit and Virat are back. Shubman Gill is wearing the captain’s armband. And Mitchell Marsh? He’s leading a slightly wounded but still fiercely proud Aussie side. Two cricketing giants, one fiery contest - fasten your seatbelts, folks, because this one’s going to be spicy. On that note, hello and welcome to all of you!

... MATCH DAY ...

Can India end years of frustration on Aussie soil when the two titans clash in Perth for the 1st ODI of the 2025 series? Australia have ruled their home in recent times - the last time India won an ODI series in Australia was in 2018-19 when they took that three-match rubber 2-1. Since then, the Aussies have generally held sway in home conditions. Now, India come in with the air of change - Shubman Gill starts his stint as ODI captain, and the return of stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli adds much-needed experience to India’s top order. Their recent performances, especially in the Champions Trophy, have shown they can bring consistency under pressure, and their pace attack - Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, and Prasidh Krishna looks ready to rip into Australia’s batters early in the innings. On the other hand, the hosts will feel the pinch with Pat Cummins still recovering from a back injury, while Cameron Green has been ruled out of the series and key names like Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, and Adam Zampa are unavailable for the opener, leaving some gaps to fill. Marnus Labuschagne, drafted in as Green’s replacement after a prolific domestic run, will look to anchor the innings, while the onus will be on Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, and Matthew Short to lead from the front with their attacking approach. Despite the absentees, Australia still possess a threatening pace attack with Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood spearheading the new ball assault and Nathan Ellis adding deceptive variations at the death. With both first-choice keepers sidelined, Josh Philippe has a golden opportunity to prove his credentials behind the stumps and with the bat. Perth’s fast, bouncy wicket demands respect. Whoever survives the new ball and navigates early movement will likely dominate. With history, momentum, and pride on the line, expect high intensity, early fireworks, and plenty of drama in this opener - a match that could set the series on fire.