Australia’s emerging fast bowler Mahli Beardman burst onto the international stage with a sensational ODI debut performance, steering the hosts to a commanding seven-wicket win over England in the series opener at Perth Stadium on Friday, November 13.
Beardman Announces Himself with Historic ODI Debut
Beardman made an instant impact after Australia captain Mitchell Marsh won the toss and chose to bowl first. The young seamer struck early, removing England captain Harry Brook for a single run before sending former skipper Joe Root back for 17.
His opening spell piled pressure on the visitors. The 21-year-old kept troubling England with pace and bounce, taking the wickets of Jordan Cox, Sam Curran and Liam Dawson as the batting lineup crumbled.
He finished with remarkable figures of 6/24, marking the best bowling figures by an Australian male cricketer on ODI debut. He also became just the second Australian to claim at least five wickets in a first ODI, following Tony Dodemaide, who recorded 5/21 against Sri Lanka in 1988.
Beardman’s display was especially noteworthy given the pressure of an international debut before a home crowd.
England Bundled Out for 131 Despite Late Fightback
England found it difficult to build partnerships against Australia’s disciplined bowling attack. Tom Banton and Will Jacks managed 25 runs apiece, while Joe Root scored 17 before falling to Beardman.
The visitors slumped to 65/8 as Australia’s bowlers exploited the conditions at Perth. Gus Atkinson offered some resistance with an unbeaten 29, while Jofra Archer added 11.
Beardman later returned to dismiss Archer and complete his six-wicket haul, skittling England out for 131 in 33.4 overs. Spencer Johnson also played a key role, finishing with three wickets for 42 runs.
Marsh Guides Australia to Comfortable Chase
Chasing 132 for victory, Australia lost Travis Head early when Gus Atkinson accounted for the opener first ball. However, captain Mitchell Marsh seized control and attacked the England bowlers.
Marsh raced to a quickfire 50 from just 29 balls, hitting four boundaries and four sixes. His aggressive intent kept Australia well ahead of the required run rate.
Cooper Connolly contributed 27 before falling to Jofra Archer, while Josh Inglis and Matt Renshaw steadied the innings. Australia reached the target with seven wickets to spare, completing the chase in just over 23.3 overs.
Mahli Beardman’s sensational debut powers Australia to a winning start in the ODI series against England
— ICC (@ICC) November 13, 2026
The win gives Australia an ideal start to the three-match ODI series against England. The second match takes place in Adelaide on November 15, with the final ODI in Hobart on November 18.
Beardman Reflects on Dream ODI Debut
Speaking after his remarkable performance, Beardman admitted the experience was difficult to process.
“To be honest, I’m not sure what just happened. It all happened very quickly, but yeah, it’s just a great privilege and honour, to be able to represent my country and to be able to go out and take a few wickets as well. It’s just the cherry on the top,” he said.
He singled out Brook’s dismissal as a particularly special moment, explaining that his first international wicket helped him settle down.
“I think the first one. Harry Brook, was a nice wicket, but just to get off the mark. I think any time you get your first one, it’s a little bit of weight off the shoulders, so that was awesome,” he added.
