
Perth, 13 November (H.S.): Australian fast-bowling sensation Mahli Beardman made a spectacular start to his international career, claiming six wickets on his One-Day International (ODI) debut to help Australia thrash England by seven wickets in the first ODI. England were bowled out for a modest 131 in 33.4 overs at Perth Stadium. In reply, Australia comfortably chased down the target, scoring 132 for three in 23.3 overs to seal victory with 159 balls to spare.
The 21-year-old Beardman returned impressive figures of six wickets for 24 runs in 7.4 overs. His performance set a new record for the best bowling figures by an Australian bowler on ODI debut. England, having recently played in batting-friendly conditions in Pakistan, struggled considerably on Perth's pace-and-bounce-friendly surface.
Australia won the toss and elected to field, a decision that quickly paid dividends. Spencer Johnson provided the first breakthrough by dismissing Ben Duckett. Tom Banton struck five boundaries but failed to build on his promising start, falling for 25. England had lost two wickets for 38 runs.
Beardman then took charge and dismantled England's batting line-up. Introduced into the attack in the 10th over, he deceived Harry Brook with a delivery that moved back into the batter, taking the edge and allowing wicketkeeper Josh Inglis to complete the catch. He then sent the experienced Joe Root, playing his 200th ODI, back to the pavilion.
Beardman's impressive spell continued as he had Jordan Cox caught behind and dismissed Sam Curran with a short delivery. He further compounded England's troubles by removing Liam Dawson, leaving the visitors struggling at 60 for seven.
Beardman claimed five wickets in just 28 deliveries, using his pace, bounce and variations in line and length to leave England's middle order with few answers.
Spencer Johnson also delivered an impressive performance, claiming three wickets for 42 runs. Will Jacks and Gus Atkinson added 37 runs for the ninth wicket, offering England some respite after the dramatic collapse. Atkinson remained unbeaten on 29. Beardman returned to complete his six-wicket haul by having Jofra Archer caught at gully, bringing England's innings to an end at 131.
Mitchell Marsh's Explosive Half-Century Seals Comfortable Australian Victory
Chasing a target of 132, Australia suffered an early setback when Gus Atkinson bowled Travis Head for a duck in the second over. Head once again dragged the ball onto his stumps.
However, Australian captain Mitchell Marsh launched a counterattack against the England bowlers. He adopted an aggressive approach from the outset and brought up his half-century in just 30 balls, hitting four sixes and four boundaries. Jamie Overton eventually dismissed Marsh, but by then Australia were firmly in control of the chase.
Cooper Connolly contributed 27 runs before falling to Jofra Archer. Josh Inglis and Matt Renshaw then guided Australia to the target without further loss of wickets. Australia finished at 132 for three in 23.3 overs, securing a convincing seven-wicket victory.
Brief Scores:
England: 131 all out in 33.4 overs (Gus Atkinson 29 not out; Mahli Beardman 6/24, Spencer Johnson 3/42).
Australia: 132/3 in 23.3 overs (Mitchell Marsh 50; Gus Atkinson 1/40).
Result:Australia won by seven wickets.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar