Where to watch Australia vs. India free live stream, TV channel, start time for 1st T20 cricket match

After a blockbuster ODI series, Australia and India shift their focus to the T20I series, taking on each other in the first match in Canberra on Wednesday. 

Australia, ranked 2nd in the world, will be heading into this T20I series in impressive form—beating 2-1 South Africa and 2-0 New Zealand—in their last two series. Men in Yellow have rebuilt themselves under the leadership of Mitchell Marsh since their disappointing exit from the 2024 World Cup, losing just two matches out of 20 T20Is. 

India, meanwhile, has been dominant in the shorter format as well, heading into this series after lifting the Asia Cup trophy, where they defeated Pakistan in a thrilling final. Suryakumar Yadav has been leading the team exceptionally well; the visitors have lost just three matches since winning the T20 World Cup title in 2024.

The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times and the latest lineup news.

Australia vs. India 1st T20I live stream, TV channel in the US

Here's how to watch this T20 match in the United States:

• TV Channel: Willow TV
• Live Stream: Fubo

Fans in the United States will be able to watch this game live exclusively on Willow TV.

Willow Sports is a cable TV channel, but if it's not included in your current package or you've cut the cord, it's available on Fubo.

Fubo offers Willow TV as part of its expanded sports offering. In addition to live matches, you can also watch replays and highlights on demand at any time from any device. 

Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC and 100+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)

What time does Australia vs. India 1st T20I start in the US?

This T20 match takes place at the Manuka Oval in Canberra, Australia, and starts on Wednesday, October 29 at 7:15 p.m. local time (AEDT).

Here's how that time translates across the U.S.:

Australia vs. India 1st T20I predicted XIs, team news

The hosts will get a boost with the return of their wicketkeeper batter Josh Inglis, who missed the last two white-ball series with a calf strain. 

Matthew Short's return seems unlikely, as the all-rounder will miss the first match due to a finger injury. Australia senior and prominent all-rounder Glenn Maxwell will miss the first matches of the series and will join the team from the third game. 

Josh Philippe, who returned to Australia's white-ball cricket after four years, is set to play as a batter in Canberra, while Ben McDermott has been called into the squad as a backup. Cameron Green missed the ODI leg with low-grade side soreness and will miss the T20I series as well.

With both Short and Maxwell missing the first match, in-form Tim David and Marcus Stoinis will have to take the responsibilities in the middle order. 

Adam Zampa, who featured in the last two ODIs against India, will miss the entire T20I series due to paternity reasons. Matthew Kuhnemann will get a start in the final lineup. One of the key pacers of the Australian bowling unit, Ben Dwarshuis, has been ruled out for the opening three T20Is due to a calf issue.

On the bowling front, the Josh Hazlewood and Sean Abbott duo will continue to spearhead the attack alongside Nathan Ellis.

Australia predicted XI: Mitch Marsh (c), Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Josh Philippe, Tim David, Mitch Owen, Marcus Stoinis, Nathan Ellis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Sean Abbott, Josh Hazlewood.

India has their batting lineup sorted with the destructive opening pair of Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill starting the innings. However, Suryakumar Yadav's form has been a concerning factor for the team, as the batter failed to score a good knock in the Asia Cup tournament. He has not scored a half-century in his last 14 innings and has been averaging just 10.50 in the format. 

India opted for a spin-heavy attack in the Asia Cup, where the spin duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy featured in every game but one of them is likely to feature in the opening game. Meanwhile, they will bring pace options to the lineup with Arshdeep Singh or Harshit Rana replacing one of them. 

Jasprit Bumrah will spearhead the bowling attack along with Arshdeep Singh or Harshit Rana in the opening match. If India opts for three full-time pacers, Shivam Dube might have to sit out.

India predicted XI: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shubman Gill, Tilak Varma, Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Axar Patel, Rinku Singh, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav/Varun Chakravarthy, Arshdeep Singh/Shivam Dube, Jasprit Bumrah.

India tour of Australia 2025 schedule

All times ET

T20I Matches

• 1st T20I: Oct. 29, Manuka Oval, Canberra, 4:15 a.m.
• 2nd T20I: Oct. 31, MCG, Melbourne, 4:15 a.m.
• 3rd T20I: Nov. 2, Bellerive Oval, Hobart, 4:15 a.m.
• 4th T20I: Nov. 6, Bill Pippen Oval, Queensland, 4:15 a.m.
• 5th T20I: Nov. 8, Brisbane Cricket Ground, Brisbane, 4:15 a.m.