October 7, 2025 : In a major boost for Australia ahead of their much-anticipated home ODI series against India, pace spearhead Mitchell Starc has been recalled to the national squad after recovering from a minor groin injury. The left-arm fast bowler’s return adds depth and balance to Australia’s bowling attack, as the team looks to fine-tune its preparation for next year’s international calendar.
The three-match ODI series will be played across Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne, starting later this month.
Starc’s Comeback
Starc last featured for Australia during the T20 World Cup earlier this year, before being rested due to workload management and minor niggles. His comeback is seen as a crucial step toward strengthening the pace department, especially with key tournaments lined up in 2025.
Speaking to Cricket Australia, chief selector George Bailey said:
“Mitchell has been training well and is fully fit. His experience and ability to swing the new ball will be vital against a quality Indian batting lineup.”
Starc, who has taken over 230 ODI wickets, is expected to share the new ball with Pat Cummins, giving Australia one of the most formidable bowling pairs in world cricket.
Marsh to Continue as Captain
All-rounder Mitchell Marsh will continue to lead the ODI side after impressing in the previous series against South Africa and New Zealand. His calm leadership style and aggressive batting have earned him praise from both players and selectors.
Bailey added:
“Marsh has shown strong leadership skills and a great understanding of team dynamics. The players respect his approach, and he continues to lead by example.”
With regular captain Pat Cummins focusing on workload management and longer formats, the decision to persist with Marsh reflects Australia’s focus on building leadership depth across formats.
Key Squad Changes
The selectors have made a few notable adjustments to the squad:
- Mitchell Starc returns after rehabilitation.
- Josh Inglis retains his spot as wicketkeeper ahead of Alex Carey.
- Glenn Maxwell is rested for the first ODI due to minor soreness but is expected to play later in the series.
- Spencer Johnson, the left-arm quick who impressed in the T20s, has been included as a backup pacer.
The middle order, featuring Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, and Marcus Stoinis, remains unchanged, ensuring stability and experience in the batting lineup.
Australia’s Home Advantage
Australia has historically performed strongly against India at home, but recent encounters have been closely contested. The series will test both sides’ adaptability to conditions, particularly with India’s in-form batting lineup led by Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
Australian coach Andrew McDonald said the team aims to use the series to “fine-tune combinations” ahead of a busy cricketing season.
“We want to test our bench strength and ensure our players are in rhythm. India is always a strong opponent, and we’re looking forward to high-quality cricket,” McDonald remarked.
India’s Challenge
India, fresh off their Asia Cup 2025 triumph, will arrive with a strong squad. Key players like Shubman Gill, Jasprit Bumrah, and Kuldeep Yadav are expected to feature prominently. The series also provides India an opportunity to experiment with new talents before the next ICC championship cycle.
Australian analysts believe that India’s spinners could play a decisive role, especially on slower tracks in Sydney and Melbourne, which tend to aid turn in the later stages of matches.
Starc on Facing India Again
Starc expressed excitement about returning to international action, particularly against India.
“Playing against India always brings out the best in me,” Starc said during a press conference in Sydney. “They’re a top-class side, and I’m eager to contribute to another great contest between two cricketing giants.”
He also hinted that he had used his recovery phase to focus on rhythm and conditioning, ensuring he returns “fresher and sharper” than before.
Expert Views
Former Australian pacer Brett Lee welcomed Starc’s return, saying his presence brings balance to the bowling lineup.
“Starc’s ability to pick early wickets is unmatched. His swing and pace can unsettle even the best top orders, and that will be crucial against India,” Lee said.
Cricket pundits have also noted that Marsh’s leadership will face a stern test, particularly in handling bowling changes and managing match intensity against India’s deep batting order.
The Road Ahead
The ODI series marks the beginning of Australia’s packed home season, followed by a Test series against Pakistan and limited-overs fixtures with South Africa. For India, it will serve as a key stepping stone before their England tour next year.
Both sides are expected to use the series to test new players, manage workloads, and refine their squads before major tournaments.
As the rivalry between India and Australia continues to evolve, the addition of Starc and the leadership of Marsh promise a competitive and entertaining series for cricket fans worldwide.
Summary
Mitchell Starc returns to Australia’s ODI squad for the India series after injury recovery. Mitchell Marsh will continue as captain as selectors aim to strengthen combinations ahead of a busy season.