Mahli Beardman turned his first ODI into a record-breaking afternoon in Perth, taking six wickets for 24 runs as England were dismissed for 131. The 21-year-old Australian’s opening appearance in the format produced figures of 7.4–1–24–6 and left his team needing 132 in the series opener on November 13.
Six wickets, and a place in the record books
According to the ICC’s report, Beardman’s return is the best by an Australian man on ODI debut, breaking a record that had stood for 38 years. It also ranks fourth among men’s ODI debut performances worldwide, behind Charlie Cassell, Kagiso Rabada and Fidel Edwards.
That distinction matters: this is an Australian debut record, rather than the best debut spell by any bowler from any country. Beardman’s first outing nevertheless places him alongside an unusually small group of bowlers whose introduction to the format immediately changed a match.
The names behind the figures
Harry Brook and Joe Root were among his early victims, with England slipping to 55/4 after 14 overs. Jordan Cox, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson and Jofra Archer completed Beardman’s six-wicket list. His spell combined the removal of established batters with the ability to keep taking wickets further down the order.
The scorecard’s 7.4 means seven complete overs and four deliveries: 46 legal balls. One of those overs was a maiden, and his economy rate was 3.13. The headline number is six wickets, but conceding only 24 runs explains how tightly he controlled the innings too.
What England’s 131 leaves Australia
Gus Atkinson finished unbeaten on 29, England’s highest score. Spencer Johnson supported Beardman with 3/42, while Xavier Bartlett took 1/46. England’s innings ended after 33.4 overs.
Australia’s target was therefore 132. This report captures the bowling performance and completed first innings, with the chase determining the match result. The ODI series continues in Adelaide on November 15 and Hobart on November 18.
