Beardman’s record six-wicket ODI debut sends Australia past England

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Mahli Beardman took 6–24 on his one-day international debut as Australia beat England by seven wickets in Perth on Friday. The 21-year-old’s figures were the best by an Australian man on ODI debut, surpassing Tony Dodemaide’s 5–21 against Sri Lanka in 1988.

England were dismissed for 131 in 33.4 overs after Mitchell Marsh chose to bowl. Australia then reached 132–3 in 23.3 overs to take a 1–0 lead in the three-match series.

Beardman’s first two wickets were Harry Brook for one and Joe Root for 17, both caught behind by Josh Inglis. Root was making his 200th ODI appearance, but England’s experienced batting core could not provide a substantial platform.

The debutant also removed Jordan Cox, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson and Jofra Archer, completing his spell in 7.4 overs. Spencer Johnson took 3–42 and Xavier Bartlett 1–46 as England fell to 65–8 before their lower order offered resistance.

Gus Atkinson finished unbeaten on 29, with Will Jacks and Tom Banton each making 25. Their contributions took the tourists past three figures, but left Australia needing only 132.

Atkinson bowled Travis Head for a first-ball duck in the chase. Marsh nevertheless gave the innings momentum, striking four sixes and four fours in a 30-ball 50 before being caught off Jamie Overton.

Cooper Connolly added 27, while Matt Renshaw’s unbeaten 26 and Inglis’s 23 took Australia home. The winning runs came with more than 26 overs still available.

The ICC ranked Beardman’s return as the fourth-best debut figures in men’s ODI history. His performance gave Australia an emphatic start to the series, with the second match in Adelaide on Sunday, 15 November, followed by the final ODI in Hobart on 18 November.

Sources

• Cricket Australia: Official report of the opening ODI in Perth (2026-11-13)
• Sky Sports: Independent match report and full score summary (2026-11-13)
• ICC: Official confirmation of Beardman’s debut bowling record