Cricket Australia Announces ODI Squad Against India: Cricket Australia has officially announced its 15-member ODI squad for the upcoming three-match series against India, starting October 19 in Perth. However, one major name is missing — World Cup-winning captain Pat Cummins. The star pacer and leader, who guided Australia to the 2023 ODI World Cup title, will not be part of this series as he continues to recover from a back injury.
Why Is Pat Cummins Not Playing Against India?
Pat Cummins has been ruled out due to a lumbar bone stress injury, which, although not a fracture, has sidelined him since mid-2025. The 32-year-old fast bowler and captain has not played any format since November 2024, when he featured in an ODI against Pakistan in Adelaide.
According to Cricket Australia’s medical team, Cummins is still undergoing a rehabilitation plan to ensure he is fully fit for the Ashes series, beginning November 21, 2025, at home.
In an official statement released in September, Cricket Australia said:
“Cummins won’t be considered for the upcoming limited-overs series against India or New Zealand and will continue his rehabilitation plan. His return to bowling will be determined as part of his Ashes preparation.”
Cummins’ absence has opened the door once again for Mitchell Marsh, who will continue as the stand-in captain for the ODI side.
Mitchell Marsh to Lead Australia
All-rounder Mitchell Marsh, who has previously led Australia in both ODIs and T20Is, will once again take the captaincy reins. Marsh has shown great leadership qualities and remains one of Australia’s most dependable white-ball players.
Interestingly, Marsh was offered the full-time ODI captaincy earlier, but he declined, preferring to focus on his all-round performance. He currently leads the Australia T20I squad.
Starc Returns, Renshaw and Owen Eye Debut
In a big boost for Australia, Mitchell Starc returns to international action after missing the South Africa tour for rest and recovery. Starc’s pace and experience will be crucial against a strong Indian batting lineup.
Meanwhile, Matt Renshaw, the 29-year-old left-hander, has been rewarded for his consistent performances with Australia ‘A’. He could make his ODI debut along with Mitchell Owen, another exciting all-rounder.
Renshaw last played a Test match in 2022 in New Delhi, and his inclusion in the ODI squad marks a possible new chapter in his international career.
Australia’s Senior Core in Transition
Australia is currently in a transition phase in ODI cricket. Veterans like Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, and Marcus Stoinis have announced their retirement from the 50-over format, leaving opportunities for younger players to step up ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup.
The Australian selectors have shown faith in emerging talent, with a blend of experienced bowlers like Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa, and Starc supporting the young guns.
Australia vs India ODI Series Schedule
The India vs Australia ODI series kicks off on October 19 in Perth, followed by matches in Adelaide (October 22) and Melbourne (October 25).
After the ODIs, both teams will also clash in a five-match T20 series, providing crucial preparation ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026.
Australia ODI Squad (vs India)
Mitchell Marsh (C), Xavier Bartlett, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Mitchell Owen, Matthew Renshaw, Matthew Short, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa.
India ODI Squad (vs Australia)
Shubman Gill (C), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Dhruv Jurel, Yashasvi Jaiswal.
Key Takeaway
Pat Cummins’ absence will certainly be felt, but Australia’s young and dynamic squad led by Mitchell Marsh looks ready to take on India in their own backyard.
The series promises thrilling action between two of the most competitive sides in modern cricket, with both teams aiming to fine-tune their squads ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup.
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