Mahli Beardman takes six wickets on ODI debut to help Australia beat England
The 21-year-old pacer claimed figures of 6/24 in Perth to secure a seven-wicket victory for Australia.
Western Australian fast bowler Mahli Beardman claimed 6/24 to help Australia defeat England by seven wickets in the first ODI in Perth on Friday. According to Rediff, England were bowled out for 131 in 33.4 overs after winning the toss and electing to bat. Australia chased down the target of 132, reaching 132/3 in 23.3 overs.
Beardman, making his international debut in the 50-over format, removed England captain Harry Brook and former skipper Joe Root in quick succession. India Today reported that he also dismissed Jordan Cox, Sam Curran, and Liam Dawson. He finished his spell by taking the wicket of Jofra Archer, marking the best figures by an Australian bowler on debut.
The performance made Beardman the second Australian male cricketer to take a five-wicket haul on his ODI debut, following Tony Dodemaide in 1988. He also became the fifth-youngest bowler to achieve a five-wicket haul on debut. In the Australian chase, captain Mitch Marsh contributed a quickfire 50.
The match took place amid renewed tensions in Australian cricket following revelations in Usman Khawajas' autobiography regarding the 2018 Sandpapergate ball-tampering incident. Rediff noted that Khawajas suggested knowledge of the incident extended beyond those sanctioned.
Beardman, a former Australia Under-19 World Cup winner, said it was a privilege and honour to represent his country and take wickets.