Rain has stopped play in the One-Day international between Australia and India at the MCG with the tourists making a strong start.

Australia was 2-35 from 11 overs after being sent in to bat, with debutant Matthew Wade (21) and Michael Clarke (five) the not out batsmen.

David Warner was the first Australian wicket to fall when he was bowled by Vinay Kumar for just six.

Kumar was at it again soon after, removing Ricky Ponting for two after the former Aussie skipper played a loose shot straight to Suresh Raina at cover.

Rested for the T201s, master batsman Sachin Tendulkar who's chasing his 100th international century, has been named in the Indian line-up.

At the toss Dhoni said the weather was a factor in his decision to send the hosts in.

"We have seen the stats and ... we think we can restrict the opposition to a decent total," said Dhoni.

"It's just about making the right start."

Australian skipper Michael Clarke said he was pleased to be given the chance to put a score on the board.

"If I had won the toss I would have batted, but they (India) will do anything they think can help them win the game," he said.

Peter Forrest is Australia's 12th man.

Tendulkar replaces Virender Sehwag from the line-up that beat Australia by eight wickets in Friday's T20I at the MCG.

Veteran paceman Brett Lee was unavailable for selection for the Aussies after breaking a bone in his foot during Friday night's clash.

Australia: David Warner, Matthew Wade Ricky Ponting, Michael Clarke, Michael Hussey, David Hussey, Dan Christian, Ryan Harris, Mitchell Stark, Clint McKay, Xavier Doherty

India: Gautam Gambhir, Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Suresh Raina, MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Rahul Sharma, Ranganath Vinay Kumar, Praveen Kumar