Australia claims first ODI as Mitch Marsh fights cramps with pickle juice and gel in victorious innings

When Mitch Marsh shot off for a quick single during Australia's win against India in the first ODI, there would have been a sigh of concern in the dressing sheds as he limped past the non-striker's end.

The all-rounder has had a wretched run with injury and noticeably pulled up short before signalling to the dressing sheds and hitting his calves.

"Oh no, that looks like trouble," Adam Gilchrist said on Fox Cricket.

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Those fears were slightly eased when Marsh's words to the umpire were picked up by the stump mic.

"It's either cramp or I've done both my calves," he said to Richard Kettleborough.

Marsh was on 38 at the time, with Australia needing 29 runs from 57 balls after a rain delay reduced the match to 26 overs each.

The pickle juice came out at the end of the over via Xavier Bartlett and Marnus Labuschagne.

Marsh guzzled down the juice and looked unbothered.

"I tell you what that's best reaction I've ever seen from anyone having it," Gilchrist said.

However, the gel brought dismay from Marsh who looked at the tube in disgust and appeared to say "what's that? ... that's off".

Labuschagne could only laugh.

Marsh managed to fight on and finished unbeaten on 46 while debutant Matt Renshaw hit the winning runs in his 21 not out.

Australia needed a score of 131 and reached it in 21.1 overs only three wickets down.

Earlier India finished 9-136 but the required total was lowered due to the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method.

Mitch Owen also debuted for Australia, and claimed 2-20 in three overs but didn't bat.

India's top scorer was KL Rahul with 38.

Post-match, Marsh was asked about the pickle juice and gel and said his teammates had "done me like a dinner".

"I thought that was one of the sugar carb things ... that was awful but it fixed my cramp," he laughed.