Australia fast bowler Mahli Beardman made a remarkable start to his international career, taking five wickets on his ODI debut against England in Perth on Friday, November 13. The 21-year-old dismantled the visitors' top order with his pace, swing and bounce to become only the second Australian to achieve the feat.
Captain Mitch Marsh won the toss and elected to bowl in sunny conditions at Perth Stadium in the opening match of the three-game series. The debutant earned his place alongside Spencer Johnson and Xavier Bartlett, with Australia resting three first-choice quicks and England missing two players through injury.
Mahli Beardman Joins Tony Dodemaide with Five-Wicket Haul on ODI Debut
Mahli Beardman completed his maiden ODI five-wicket haul by dismissing Liam Dawson for a six-ball duck in the 18th over. The right-arm pacer bowled a full delivery outside off stump, which Dawson edged towards backward point. Jack Edwards took the catch overhead to complete the dismissal.
The 21-year-old claimed his fifth wicket in just 28 deliveries. He became the 18th player overall and only the second Australian men's cricketer to take a five-wicket haul on ODI debut. Tony Dodemaide was the first, recording figures of 5/21 against Sri Lanka at the WACA Ground in 1988.
The Australian pacer also became the fifth-youngest bowler to take five wickets on ODI debut. Bangladesh pacer Taskin Ahmed tops the list, followed by Mustafizur Rahman, Kagiso Rabada, Sri Lanka's Charitha Buddhika and Pakistan's Arafat Minhas.
Youngest Bowlers to Take a Five-Wicket Haul on ODI Debut:
19y 75d - Taskin Ahmed (Bangladesh) vs India, Mirpur, 2014
19y 285d - Mustafizur Rahman (Bangladesh) vs India, Mirpur, 2015
20y 46d - Kagiso Rabada (South Africa) vs Bangladesh, Mirpur, 2015
21y 65d - Charitha Buddhika (Sri Lanka) vs Zimbabwe, Sharjah, 2001
21y 74d - Mahli Beardman (Australia) vs England, Perth, 2026, Today*
21y 148d - Arafat Minhas (Pakistan) vs Australia, Rawalpindi, 2026
Australian Pacer Tears Through England's Top Order in Perth
Spencer Johnson gave Australia an early breakthrough by dismissing Ben Duckett for nine. Bartlett then removed Tom Banton for 25, finding movement with the white Kookaburra.
Mahli Beardman took charge from there, dismissing England captain Harry Brook for one and Joe Root for 17. He then had Jordan Cox caught behind by Inglis before bouncing out Sam Curran for a seven-ball duck. Dawson became his fifth victim, leaving England struggling at 60/7 after 17.4 overs.
The five-wicket haul earned praise from the commentary team.
"A fabulous five for Mahli on debut!" Adam Gilchrist said, adding, "The teammates are loving it, Mahli's loving it. Outstanding from the young man. ... and he's still not finished."
Former Australian wicketkeeper Alyssa Healy also celebrated the debutant's achievement. "Take a bow Mahli Beardman," she said. "What a start to your one-day international career."
Australia and England Make Changes to Their Playing XIs
Australia made four changes to the side that last played an ODI in South Africa in September. Inglis returned in place of Alex Carey, while Edwards, Bartlett and the debutant also came into the XI. Youngster Ollie Peake missed out, and Nathan Ellis was unavailable because of a side strain.
England also had to make adjustments, with Jacob Bethell returning home due to an ongoing knee injury and Josh Tongue missing out with a toe issue.
Australia playing XI: Mitch Marsh (c), Travis Head, Cooper Connolly, Josh Inglis (wk), Matt Renshaw, Cameron Green, Jack Edwards, Xavier Bartlett, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson, Mahli Beardman.
England playing XI: Tom Banton, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Harry Brook (c), Jordan Cox (wk), Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Liam Dawson, Jamie Overton, Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer.
