Australia vs India 2018-19, 1st ODI: Australia's predicted playing XI

Middle-order - Shaun Marsh, Marcus Stoinis and Glenn Maxwell

Maxwell and Handscomb will be key players for Australia

Shaun Marsh has been one of the lone solaces to a struggling Aussie ODI team and has batted responsibly since his resurrection back into the one-day setup. Marsh has scored 416 runs in 7 matches against daunting Proteas and English bowling attacks averaging a brilliant 59.42. Marsh will want to play a long and big innings and combat the Indian bowling attack.

Peter Handscomb will occupy the spot where Travis Head played and will look to provide some finesse to their batting. He has batted in many positions in the Big Bash League and he can adapt quickly.

With no better options and Mitchell Marsh struggling to find his nick, Handscomb after his fighting knock against India might make the cut. His good Big Bash form and knock in the 4th Test are signs of great things to come.

Australia will want Glenn Maxwell to fire on all cylinders against India. Maxwell has had a decent time in the Big Bash captaining the Melbourne Stars and will look to carry his form here. He might have to play a minor role with the ball as well on a Sydney wicket which will offer some turn later into the day. There are more chances of Stoinis batting ahead of him though, considering the latter's great form.

---

All-rounder and Wicket Keeper- Marcus Stoinis and Alex Carey

All Rounder Marcus Stoinis can certainly prove to be dangerous to India especially after returning to the team in red hot form from the Big Bash League. Under Maxwell's captaincy, Stoinis has thrived at the top of the order and has bowled his full quota of overs with great accuracy.

Australia will hope that he gives a double-edged performance with both bat and ball. All things considered, Australia might want to bat Stoinis at number 4 or number 5.

Wicket Keeper Alex Carey will also serve as Aaron Finch's deputy. Another opener in the Big Bash League, Carey's attacking instinct can help them as well as hurt them. Carey must bat at higher positions like against South Africa and can again push Maxwell further down the pecking order.