Australia started their ODI series against England with a seven wicket win in Perth but the talking point was the young fast bowler Mahli Beardman’s debut. The 21-year-old pacer had a spell to remember as she took six wickets and helped Australia bowl out England for just 131.
Beardman’s brilliant bowling made his international ODI debut one to remember for a long time. He also set the record for best bowling figures by an Australian bowler on ODI debut.
Mahli Beardman Creates History With Six-Wicket Haul
Making his ODI debut for Australia Beardman impressed with his pace, accuracy and ability to trouble England’s experienced batters straight away.
He finished with 6/24 off 7.4 overs to become only the second Australian male bowler to take at least five wickets on ODI debut.
His performance also broke the previous Australian record set by Tony Dodemaide who had taken five wickets against Sri Lanka in 1988.
Beardman’s breakthrough spell saw the vital wickets of England captain Harry Brook and veteran batter Joe Root and then he got Jordan Cox and Sam Curran in the same over to put England under pressure.
Liam Dawson and Jofra Archer were his final two victims as the young Australian completed an unforgettable six wicket haul.
England Struggle Against Australia's Bowling Attack
England had a difficult time after Australia won the toss and elected to bowl first at Perth Stadium.
The visitors struggled to build partnerships against Australia's disciplined bowling. Beardman was the pick of their bowlers and Spencer Johnson also bowled well with three wickets for 42 runs.
England were eventually bowled out for 131 in 33.4 overs. Will Jacks and Gus Atkinson tried to stabilise the innings but Atkinson remained not out on 29.
However England couldn’t recover from the regular wickets being lost and gave Australia a manageable target of 132 runs.
Mitchell Marsh Leads Australia's Chase
Australia went into the chase with confidence despite losing Travis Head early in the innings.
Marsh took responsibility and played an aggressive knock with 50 from 30 balls (four fours, four sixes). That gave Australia the momentum to chase comfortably.
Cooper Connolly made 27 and Matt Renshaw remained unbeaten on 26.
Australia made 132/3 in 23.3 overs and won the first ODI by seven wickets to lead 1–0 in the three-match series.
A Debut Mahli Beardman Will Remember
For Beardman, the opening ODI against England was not just another cricket match. It was an opportunity to make himself known on the international stage and he grabbed it with both hands.
Six wickets against a strong English batting line-up on debut is something that will stick with him for the rest of his career.
His performance also gives Australia another young fast-bowling prospect to look out for as the team continues preparing for future international challenges.
With the opening match won Australia will look to build on that momentum in the remaining matches while England will need a stronger batting display to get back into the series.
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