Mahli Beardman takes 6-24 on ODI debut as Australia thrash England in Perth

Mahli Beardman took six wickets for 24 runs on his one-day international debut as Australia beat England by seven wickets in the first ODI in Perth on Friday. England were bowled out for 131 in 33.4 overs, according to The Guardian, having been 68 for eight at one stage.

BBC Sport describes Beardman's figures as the best by an Australian on a one-day debut. The Guardian calls them a national record.

Early wickets set the tone

Gerard Whateley said on SEN that Beardman showed no nerves, opening with a maiden before taking wickets in his second, third, fourth and fifth overs. He had five wickets after 4.4 overs.

The Guardian reports that Beardman's first wickets were those of Harry Brook and Joe Root, and that he also removed Sam Curran and Liam Dawson, who both made ducks. Gus Atkinson top-scored for England with 29, while Root made 17 in his 200th ODI.

The Guardian adds that the hosts were without their big three quicks, and that England struggled against the short ball at Optus Stadium, which it describes as a notoriously low-scoring 50-over ground.

Records and reaction

Tom Morris said on SEN Cricket that Beardman became the fifth player in one-day international history to take six wickets on debut. Morris added: “Remember that name, Mahli Beardman.”

Former Australia coach Justin Langer called the performance “the breath of fresh air we needed today”, according to SEN.

Australia captain Mitchell Marsh, also from Western Australia, said: “I would love to live my life like him - pretty carefree, loves the ocean and loves to learn about fast bowling,” BBC Sport reports.

Beardman admitted to doubts during his injury layoff. “There is always doubt,” he said.

Back from injury

BBC Sport reports that Beardman suffered the first of two stress injuries in his back in 2025. The second came after his only previous Australia appearance, a T20 in Pakistan in January, where he took 2-33.

The Guardian says he has been mentored by Dennis Lillee and was first drawn to cricket by Mitchell Johnson's exploits in the 2013-14 Ashes. BBC Sport says he averaged 86.5mph across 7.4 overs, his quickest match on record, with a fastest delivery of 90.6mph.

He has yet to play a first-class match, and all of his domestic cricket has been for the Perth Scorchers.

What comes next

Two more ODIs and five T20 internationals against England remain, SEN reports.

The Guardian suggests it would not be a shock to see Beardman handed a baggy green cap in the coming months, or travel to England for next year's Ashes.

Do you think Beardman deserves a Test call-up now, or should he wait?