Joe Burns managed just one at the Sydney Cricket Ground before being trapped lbw by India's dangerous Mohammed Shami, leaving him with only 62 runs from nine first class knocks this summer.
Australia, to be led for the first time by Matthew Wade in the absence of injured Aaron Finch, also go into the game without their pace spearheads Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood.
The first of three ODIs, followed by three Twenty20s next week, comes after the visitors had to endure wrangling over quarantine requirements and an outbreak of the virus in Melbourne, which delayed confirmation of the tour until just weeks ago.
While travel curbs remain Australia has begun easing social distancing restrictions after infections slowed to a trickle.
India are looking for their first ever series win in Australia in their four-match series that starts on Thursday.
India are keen to make amends following a 4-1 test series defeat in England where most of their batsmen struggled against the swinging ball in tough conditions.
India have declined to play their maiden day-night Test against Australia, leaving the series-opener in Adelaide a day match, Cricket Australia confirmed on Tuesday.
Australia's batsmen saw out close to 182 overs in their two innings while their Indian counterparts lost all 20 wickets in just 74 overs.
Earlier, David Warner made 38 and added 82 for the first wicket with Matt Renshaw after captain Steve Smith won the toss and opted to bat against a spin-heavy India.
Australia beat defending champions India to join the Black Caps in the finals on Sunday.
Steve Smith and Aaron Finch put up a mammoth 182-run partnership.
Both sides were left unchanged for the match which will decide who meets New Zealand in the final.
The hosts declared their second innings closed at 251-6 before the start of play.
Mitchell Starc was named ahead of fellow quick Peter Siddle & the spin option of Ashton Agar.
Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane struck inspired centuries during a record fourth-wicket partnership.
Joe Burns replaced injured Mitch Marsh in one of two changes to the Australian team.
