AUS VS IND 1ST ODI

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.