ENG vs AUS 1st ODI: Mahli Beardman’s Six-Wicket Debut and Marsh Fifty Sink England

PERTH: Debutant fast bowler Mahli Beardman delivered a sensational bowling masterclass before captain Mitchell Marsh unleashed a blistering knock to propel Australia to a seven-wicket victory over England in the ENG vs AUS 1st ODI at Perth Stadium.

In front of 27,313 delighted home fans, the 21-year-old Western Australian quick produced figures of 6 for 24 in 7.4 overs, setting a new record for the best bowling performance by an Australian men's player on One-Day International debut. Mahli Beardman's six-wicket haul dismantled England's batting order, skittling the tourists for a paltry 131 in 33.4 overs after Marsh won the toss and elected to bowl on a fast, bouncy surface.

Australia entered the series opener with a revamped pace attack as frontline Test quicks Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood were rested following the South Africa tour, while Nathan Ellis missed out due to a side strain. Beardman seized the opportunity immediately, slicing through England's middle order with genuine pace and steep bounce.

After Spencer Johnson and Xavier Bartlett removed openers Ben Duckett (9) and Tom Banton (25), Beardman took center stage. He dismissed England skipper Harry Brook for one and veteran batter Joe Root for 17 before tearing through Jordan Cox (2), Sam Curran (0), and Liam Dawson (0) in rapid succession. Remarkably, Beardman claimed his five-wicket haul in just 28 deliveries, the fastest five-for by an Australian bowler in ODI history.

England slumped from 24 for 1 to a precarious 65 for 8, briefly flirting with their lowest ODI total against Australia. A stubborn 37-run ninth-wicket stand between Will Jacks (25) and Gus Atkinson (29 not out) pushed the visitors past triple digits before Beardman returned to dismiss Jofra Archer and wrap up the innings. Johnson provided strong support with 3 for 42.

Chasing a modest target of 132, Australia suffered an early jolt when Gus Atkinson bowled Travis Head for a golden duck in the second over. However, Mitchell Marsh's half-century swiftly extinguished any hopes of an English fightback. Playing at his home ground, the Australian captain tore into the bowling attack, hammering four boundaries and four towering sixes to reach fifty off just 29 balls before falling on the very next delivery to Jamie Overton.

No. 3 batter Cooper Connolly contributed a brisk 27 off 30 balls before falling to Archer, leaving Josh Inglis (23 not out) and Matt Renshaw (26 not out) to guide Australia across the finish line at 132 for 3 in just 23.3 overs with 159 balls remaining.

The comprehensive triumph gives Australia a 1-0 lead in the three-match series ahead of second ODI in Adelaide.