Australia vs India, IND in AUS, 3 ODIs, 2025 Oct 19 Full score card

WELL, IT'S DONE! Back of a length and around middle, Matt Renshaw gets across, swivels and taps it towards square leg to take a quick single to seal the deal. The hosts take a 1-0 lead in this three-match ODI series. AUSTRALIA DEFEAT INDIA BY 7 WICKETS!

On a length, around middle, Renshaw shuffles and nudges it to the left of mid on and takes a quick single. SCORES ARE LEVEL!

Angling in, full and around middle, Matt gets across, goes deep in his crease and clips it to mid-wicket.

Spears it full and on the pads, Matt shifts his weight on his front foot and flicks it to the left of mid-wicket. Picks up two runs, and Australia just need 2 now.

FOUR! NEATLY DONE! Short of a length, angling into the body of the batter, around middle. Matt Renshaw shuffles, swivels and hooks it to the left of short fine for a boundary.

Back of a length, shaping away, outside off, Renshaw goes back, gets on top of the bounce and dabs it down to cover.

WIDE! Hurls it on the fuller length but too wide outside off, going outside the tramline. Matt gets across but then leaves it. Called a wide.

Lands it full and around middle, knocked down to long on for a single by MM.

Back of a length and down leg, following the batter. Matt backs away and advances, but he has to adjust his shot in the end to tap it down to backward point. Just 10 needed.

On a good length and outside off, steered down to deep third for a single by the Australian skipper.

Pitched up, full and around off, Mitchell Marsh uses his feet and drives it to the right of mid off. Mohammed Siraj runs across to his left from long on and makes a stop with his right boot. Two runs taken.

Nagging length and around off, dabbed down to cover off the back foot.

EDGED AND DROPPED! Full and outside off, going across the batter. Matt Renshaw gets squared up as he tries to defend it. Gets a thick outside edge that goes low to the left of the keeper behind the wickets. KL Rahul flings himself to his left with his extended left hand but fails to hold onto it. Spills out and the ball rolls away towards deep third. A single taken.

On a length and around off, Matt Renshaw uses his feet and punches it back to the bowler. Nitish Kumar Reddy picks it up to his right on his followthrough and fires a throw at the stumps, but ends up hitting Matt Renshaw, who tries to retrieve back and falls over.

Fractionally full and on middle, Mitchell Marsh gets the bat in front of his pad and defends it to mid off.

Length ball, on off, Mitchell Marsh punches off the back foot to the off side.

Good length, angling away from off. Mitchell Marsh tries to work it away off the back foot, but gets a bottom edge and the ball rolls on the pitch.

An appeal for LBW, but not given. Only KL Rahul looks interested in that one and gets no support from the others. Touch full and holding its line on the leg stump. Matt Renshaw tries to turn it to the leg side but misses and wears high on the front pad. The ball rolls into the off side and they cross for a leg bye. The Ball Tracking shows that the ball is projected to go over the middle stump.

Shapes away from outside off, on a good length. Matt Renshaw lets it be.

SIX! Full marks for creativity! Not that short from Arshdeep, around the off stump. Matt Renshaw shuffles well across and scoops it just over the ropes for a six at deep fine leg.

Slides on the middle stump line, on a length. Mitchell Marsh rocks back and pulls it to the right of Siraj at long on for a couple of runs.

Around off, on a fullish length. Matt Renshaw drives it inside out through cover. And by the time Siraj cuts it off to his right from long off, the batters cross each other thrice.

Flat and quick, around off, punched off the back foot to cover.

Touch full and Marsh sweeps this to deep square leg for a single.

Top drawer stuff from Siraj at the ropes. That was sailing over the ropes. This is full from Sundar, on the stumps. Matt Renshaw lofts it off the front foot to clear long off. Mohammed Siraj times his acrobatic leap to perfection and flicks the ball into the playing area before landing beyond the ropes. Saves five runs for his side, does Siraj. The replay confirms the same as well.

Short and on the leg stump. Mitchell Marsh hangs deep and nudges it between square leg and mid-wicket for an easy single.

A short refreshment break for both batters. Australia need 29 runs in 9 overs. Sundar will continue.

On a good length, around middle and off, swinging away. Matt Renshaw closes the bat face early to flick and gets a leading edge as the ball rolls towards the first slip. A nice, questioning over from Arshdeep. Just 2 off it.

Another appeal for LBW, and again the finger stays down. This is full and on the fourth stump line, nibbling away. Matt Renshaw presses forward to defend, but plays inside the line of the ball and gets rapped on the front pad. The impact appears to be outside the off stump line and hence, India do not review.

A stifled appeal for LBW, but not given. Speared full and on the leg stump line, angling further down. Matt Renshaw tries to work that across, but misses and wears on the front pad. Possibly going down leg.

Half-tracker, on middle, Mitchell Marsh knocks it between mid off and extra cover for a quick single. Marsh hobbles on his way to complete the single. Looks like he has pulled off the hamstring of his left leg. But looks fine to continue for now.

Tap and run! Back of a length, on middle, Renshaw nudges it to the left of mid-wicket for a single.

Wobbles away from off, on a length, Renshaw lets it pass.

Full and on middle, Matt Renshaw flicks it to the left of Rohit Sharma at mid on for a single. 100 UP FOR AUSTRALIA!

On middle and leg on a fuller length, Matt Renshaw inside edges on the forward push to short fine leg.

Slides back into the batter from off, Matt Renshaw blocks it again.

Pushed through, full and around off, defended watchfully by Renshaw.

Matt Renshaw walks in at 5 on his ODI Debut.

OUT! TAKEN! Washington Sundar strikes and dismisses the well-settled Josh Philippe. The 55-run partnership has been broken for the third wicket. Length ball, sliding on the leg stump. Josh transfers the weight to his back foot and tries to pull, but mistimes it in the air. Arshdeep Singh from deep fine leg, runs to his left and dives to take a fine catch. An entertaining knock from Josh Philippe comes to an end as he departs for 37 off 29 balls.

Lands it around off, on a fractionally fuller length. Josh Philippe tries to reverse sweep, but misses and wears on his body.

FIVE WIDES! A genuine gift to the batting side. Length ball, drifting way down the leg stump line. Josh tries to scoop behind but misses and the ball beats KL Rahul to his left and races to the fence behind him. Bonus runs for Australia.

Change. Washington Sundar is in the attack now.

Back of a length, around middle, nipping back in. Josh mistimes the pull shot to the square leg region for a single.

SIX! Goes all the way! Short from Nitish, not much pace on it, into the bodyline. Josh Philippe gets the ball at a comfortable height, weighs on the back foot and heaves it powerfully over wide long on for a six.

Attempted yorker, Marsh digs it out to long on for a single.

Good running! Back of a length, outside off, Marsh hangs deep and just guides the ball through cover and point. Arshdeep Singh has a lot of ground to cover from the deep as he runs forward and the batters take a couple of runs.

Very full, outside off, drilled down by Philippe, to the right of long off for a single.

Nitish Kumar Reddy is into the attack on his ODI debut. Bowls it full and on off, Josh Philippe leans on and drives it confidently to short cover.

The length is pulled back, and the ball drifts on the middle stump. Marsh rocks back and punches it to mid-wicket. 8 off this over as well. 16 from the last two overs for Australia.

Fractionally full, spinning away from off with some bounce. Marsh presses ahead and safely keeps it out to backward point.

Slider on a length, on the pads. Josh Philippe hangs back and punches it to the left of the diving mid-wicket fielder for a single.

Full and on the leg stump line, Josh Philippe paddles it to deep fine leg for a couple of runs.

FOUR! Races away! Axar drifts it into the batter, on a fuller length. Josh Philippe plants his back knee into the pitch and slogs it to the left of deep backward square leg for a boundary.

Drops it full and on middle, a well-controlled sweep shot by Marsh to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Josh Philippe tucks this length ball to mid-wicket with soft hands. Starts with a couple of boundaries, and ends with four dots in a row. Harshit Rana's figures are 4-0-27-0 so far. Australia need 56 from 78 balls.

Spears in a full ball outside off, at 137 kph. Josh Philippe presses forward to cut it square on the off side, but ends up chopping off the inside edge and the ball rolls behind to the keeper.

Length ball, around off, Josh Philippe waits back and tucks it to mid-wicket.

Back of a length, outside off, Josh Philippe defends it to the off side.

FOUR! Runs are coming easily for the hosts! Width offered by Rana, a pretty ordinary delivery. On a length, outside off. Josh Philippe flashes and flashes very hard at it. The ball squirrels away to the right of Arshdeep Singh at deep third for a boundary. Josh Philippe got on to it in a flash. Quick hands from the Aussie keeper.

FOUR! Cleverly played! Bangs it short and around off, does Rana. Josh Philippe rises with the bounce and opens the bat face late. The ball races away and beats the deep third fielder to his left for a boundary.

DRINKS BREAK. Australia are in complete control of this chase with Mitchell Marsh playing another captain's knock for his side. The last 3 overs have been almost run-a-ball, but that would be enough for the hosts. The platform is laid nicely by the skipper himself and it is just about consolidating in this second stretch of the chase. India, on the other hand, need to pick eight wickets to turn the fortunes. Harshit Rana (3-0-19-0) to continue after the break.

LEG BYES! Sliding in, full and around leg, Marsh goes back and tries to flick it, but misses. Gets beaten on the inside edge, and the ball brushes his back pad before rolling down to the right of short fine. Two leg byes are sneaked before the short fine fielder mops it up to his right. Australia need 64 runs in the last 14 overs.

A bit shorter and around off, punched down to long on for a single by Josh.

Tossed up, full and outside off, Marsh gets down and goes across to sweep it to deep backward square leg for one.

Nagging length and outside off, Marsh remains on his back foot and drops it down to cover.

Slower through the air, short and around off, Marsh presses back and punches it to cover.

Pushed through, full and around off, knocked down to long on for a single off the inside half of the bat.

Pace off, on a length and outside off, Marsh throws his hands at it to cut it but gets a bottom edge which bounces beside the off stump and rolls back to the keeper.

Back of a length and around middle, Josh Philippe rides the bounce and nudges it to deep square leg for one.

Nagging length and around off, Josh gets across on his front foot and tries to defend it but gets a leading edge which rolls down to cover.

SIX! EDGED BUT ALL THE WAY! Short of a length and a bit outside off, skidding through. Josh Philippe presses back and attempts a pull shot but gets a thick top edge that flies over the keeper behind the wickets. The third umpire is called in to check and the ball has landed well over the ropes. Given a six.

Is that a six or a four? The third umpire checks a couple of angles and a wide angle shows that it has just sailed over the ropes.

Back of a length and around off, Josh rises with the bounce and taps it down to the right of the bowler.

Hard length and outside off, Josh Philippe gets across on his back foot and tries to cut it but gets a bottom edge onto his front pad.

FOUR! DELIBERATELY PLAYED! Short and outside off, Mitchell Marsh goes deep in his crease, presses back and waits well before slicing it off the outer half of the bat to the left of short third for a boundary.

Pushed through, full and outside off, Josh prods forward and drives it to the left of long off for a single.

Relatively fuller and outside off, Mitchell Marsh gets across and gets down on one knee to sweep it to deep backward square leg for a single. 50 UP FOR AUSTRALIA!

Another short delivery, around off, Marsh remains on his back foot and eases it down to extra cover.

Dragged back length and around off, Marsh goes back and punches it to cover.

Slower and shorter, around middle, Josh Philippe presses back and uses his wrists to work it away to deep square leg for one.

Jags back in, on a hard length, around off, Marsh gets cramped as he hops up and looks to get away from the ball. But it follows him and hits him high on his back thigh.

Spraying it on the pads, on a fuller length, Josh Philippe swipes it to deep square leg for a single.

BEAUTY! On a hard length, threatens to come in but then shapes away, outside off. Josh tries to push at it but gets beaten on the outside edge as his feet don't go anywhere.

Angling in, on a hard length and around middle and leg. Josh Philippe gets across and tries to whip it away, but misses. Gets rapped a bit high on his front thigh pad. Harshit appeals for LBW, but the umpire shakes his head. Probably, the height could be the issue. Oh, yes, the Ball Tracking has rolled in, and the projection shows that it would have gone over the stumps.

Touch fuller and a bit outside off, Marsh gets on top of the bounce and punches it through covers for one.

Back of a length, angling in, around middle, Josh Philippe rises with the bounce and tucks it to deep square leg for a single.

Harshit Rana (1-0-9-0) is back into the attack. He replaces Mohammed Siraj.

On the shorter side, around midlde, nudged away towards deep square leg for a single by Josh Philippe.

Keeper-batter, Josh Philippe, is in at number 4.

OUT! TAKEN! Axar Patel strikes in his first over and breaks the 34-run second wicket stand. A great set-up from him, actually. Four dots in a row and then enticing the batter to go hard at it. Patel offers flight and pitches it up, full and a bit outside off, getting it to drift away with the turn. Matthew Short tries to get out of jail, plants his front leg forward, and goes across to drive on the up. Throws his hands on the ball, but gets a thick outside edge, which lobs up towards short third. Rohit Sharma moves to his left a bit, goes low and takes it safely before the grass. Matthew Short departs for 8 (17) and Australia are 44/2, needing 87 runs to win.

Flatter, full and outside off, driven away to cover off the front foot by Short.

Pushed through, full and around middle, Short lunges and defends it back to the bowler.

Again, short and wide outside off, chopped down to cover point off the back foot.

Drops it shorter, around off, Matthew Short presses back and cuts it but finds the cover point fielder.

That has hit on the helmet grill of the Aussie skipper. But he gestures that he is alright after Siraj's curious inquiry. A mandatory concussion test for Mitchell Marsh as the physio rushes in to check him. Marsh takes a few moments before putting on the helmet again. A bowling change from India. Axar Patel is brought into the attack, replacing Harshit Rana.

NASTY! Another short delivery, kicking up and angling in, around off. Mitchell Marsh presses back and looks to pull it, but misses. Looks like he loses sight of the ball and gets hit on his helmet. Siraj instantly goes up and asks whether Marsh is fine. The physio is out for the mandatory concussion test.

WIDE! A short-pitched delivery, angling into the body of the batter. Marsh ducks. Called a wide.

Attacks the stumps, on a length, the Australian skipper gets behind the line and defends it to mid-wicket.

FOUR! Easy pickings! Siraj hurls it on a length but ends up drifting down leg. Mitchell Marsh gets inside the line and glances it to the right of short fine for a boundary.

Hard length, tailing back in, around middle, MM gets across and tucks it to mid-wicket.

Pitched up, full and around middle, Marsh prods forward and pushes it to the right of the bowler.

On a back of a length, angling in, down leg, Short gets inside the line and nudges it towards backward square leg for a single.

At 138.1 kph, on a back of a length, outside off. Mitchell Marsh shoulders arms at it. Expensive start for Harshit as he goes for 9 runs off his first over.

Nips in from middle, on a shortish length. Matthew Short is tucked for space but he manages to nudge that off the back foot to square leg for a single.

Touch full on this occasion, on the stumps, Short firmly pushes it to mid on.

Smart cricket! A six and then tap and run. Back of a length, on middle, Marsh tucks it between mid on and mid-wicket for a single.

SIX! Goodness me, that has been punished ruthlessly! Short from Harshit, wide outside off. Mitchell Marsh hangs back, creates a stable base, and smashes it aerially and easily clears the deep cover fence for another half a dozen. Australia need under three digits to win now.

Starts with a skiddy delivery, on a length, outside off. Matthew Short cuts it behind square on the off side for a single.

The five-over Powerplay is done! Now, India can have four fielders outside the inner ring. The skipper, Mitchell Marsh, is keeping his team ahead in this contest as he has been batting a bit aggressively and has produced a couple of big blows already. Also, Harshit Rana is in the attack now.

Nice recovery from Siraj. Outside off on a good length. Marsh lets it be. Australia need 102 runs to win from 126 balls.

Full and on middle, at 137.5 kph. Mitchell Marsh uses his wrists and flicks it to mid-wicket.

SIX! Marsh has decided to go all in! That's a marvellous stroke from the Aussie skipper. Siraj bashes the length hard, gets an away shape as well, outside off. Marsh shimmies down the track and creates room before bludgeoning it over deep extra cover for a six.

Nine dots in a row from Siraj! Back of a length, at off, nipping in. Mitchell Marsh plays from the crease and steers it to mid-wicket.

Short ball, on off, Marsh lets the ball arrive and plays with soft hands. Taps it to extra cover.

Attacks the stumps by angling into the batter on a length. Mitchell Marsh walks forward to negate the movement and tucks it to the mid-wicket region.

Length-delivery, around off, at 129.2 kph, Matthew Short pushes it off the inner half of the bat to the mid-wicket region. A productive over for Australia. 12 runs from it.

Swing and a miss! Back of a length, outside off, nibbling away. Short flashes at the delivery, but misses to connect.

FOUR! Finds the gap perfectly! Singh goes across off, on a hard length. Enough width for Short as he stands tall and smashes it past the diving Shubman Gill to his left for a boundary at deep extra cover.

Much fuller, skidding through on off, Mitchell Marsh taps it in front of mid off and steals a quick run.

SIX! That has gone miles! Short of a good length, around middle and off, swinging in. Mitchell Marsh is quick to read the length and transfers the weight on the back foot. Plays from the crease and pulls it strongly behind deep square leg for a cracking six.

Swinging in from outside off, on a hard length. Short stands tall and flat bats it between mid off and extra cover for a quick single.

Spears it onto the stumps, on a fullish length. Mitchell Marsh plays with the angle and tucks it to mid-wicket. MAIDEN FROM SIRAJ!

Top drawer! Just around the off stump line, on a fractionally fuller length. Mitchell Marsh shoulders arms at it.

On top of off, jagging back in with the angle. Mitchell Marsh with a tight leave.

Hits the deck hard, does Siraj, on middle, skidding through. Mitchell Marsh is rushed on the pull shot, but inside edges it onto the pads.

A late appeal for caught behind, but the umpire is not interested. Discussions between Shubman Gill, Siraj and KL Rahul, but they decide not to go upstairs. The UltraEdge shows nothing when the ball is next to the bat. This is on a good length, swinging away from off. Mitchell Marsh goes fishing at it from the crease and plays away from the body, but the ball moves away and flirts past the outside edge.

At 135 kph, on a good length, around the fourth and fifth stump, inviting the batter to poke. But the Aussie skipper is watchful and leaves.

Shapes in from off, on a hard length, at 132.4 kph. Matthew Short presses forward and blocks it to mid on. Excellent start for Arshdeep. A huge wicket of Travis Head and just 2 runs from it.

Huge swing and a miss! Back of a length, angling across off, Matthew Short plays from the crease and tries to cut it powerfully to the off side, but gets no bat on the ball.

WIDE! Inswinger, but way down leg, Matthew Short misses to whip that away, and KL Rahul stops it by diving full-stretch to his left.

PEACH! High-class from Arshdeep! Seams away from middle and leg, on a good length. Matthew Short is pinned on the back foot and plays inside the line to block, and gets beaten on the outside edge by a whisker.

Swings away from middle, on a good length, at 131.3 kph. Short prods half forward and taps it to backward point.

Matthew Short is in at 3.

OUT! IN THE AIR AND GONE! Very clever from Arshdeep Singh as he strikes big and breaks the opening partnership. Singh gets the ball to move away from the batter, outside off on a good length. Travis Head, with his feet going nowhere, throws his bat at it and attempts a big-booming flashy drive to the off side. But only manages to get a thick outside edge. The ball flies flat towards deep third and picks Harshit Rana perfectly in the deep. Travis Head departs for 8 (5) and Australia are 10/1, needing 121 runs.

Full and angling into the batter, on a length. Marsh forces the bat ahead of the pads and gets a thick inside edge. The ball rolls through square leg for a single.

Arshdeep Singh? Yes, the left-arm seamer will bowl from the other end.

FOUR! Clears the in-field with ease and at will! Siraj goes fuller, and the line is around off. With mid off inside the circle, Head simply lofts it over the fielder for a boundary. 9 runs off the opening over.

Shortens the length, shaping in from middle at 134.8 kph. Head hops off and tucks it to square leg.

FOUR! The first boundary of the chase! Serves a juicy half volley, does Siraj. On the middle and off stump line, swinging in. Travis Head flicks it uppishly, between mid on and mid-wicket for a boundary.

An inswinging low full toss, on middle, Travis Head drills it back to Siraj, who half stops with his right hand. The ball is deflected into the mid-wicket region.

Edged, and safe! Touch fuller than the previous delivery, and this one curves into the batter from off. Mitchell Marsh plays with a straight bat and tries to smash it downtown. But the ball flies off the thick outside edge towards the left of deep third for a single.

Siraj starts on the money! A bit of an away shape from the fourth stump line, on a hard length. Mitchell Marsh prods forward and opts to leave.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Harshit Rana is the new batter in.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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!

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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!

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

KL Rahul walks in at 6.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

With upright seam, full and outside off, Iyer lets it go.

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.

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.

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.

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.

On a good length and around off, defended back to the bowler off the back foot.

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

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.

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.

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.

Moving away, full and well outside off, left alone by Shreyas.

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

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

On a good length and outside off, moving away. Iyer shoulders his arms.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

On a good length and well outside off, Gill lets it go.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Attacks the stumps, on the fuller side, Rohit gets behind the line and defends it.

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

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

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.

Bowled it full and outside off, Gill shoulders his arms.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.