Fast bowler Mahli Beardman's exceptional debut performance dismantled England's batting lineup, restricting the tourists to 131 all out in just 33.4 overs before Australia chased down the target with ease in Perth on 13 November 2026. The 21-year-old Western Australian claimed six for 24 from 7.4 overs—a new national record for an ODI debut—as England suffered a seven-wicket defeat that extended their struggles in Australia.
According to The Guardian, the result came after a turbulent week in which Australia's cricket program was overshadowed by controversy surrounding ball-tampering allegations. England had arrived in Perth hoping to build momentum, yet found themselves outplayed by a home side missing several key personnel.
Beardman's performance drew comparisons to Pat Cummins for its clinical precision and raw pace. Touching 90 miles per hour on the speed gun, the debutant exploited Perth's characteristic bounce and lateral movement to dismantle England's top order. His six-wicket haul was the fourth-best bowling return on men's ODI debut overall, and the best by an Australian debutant, surpassing Tony Dodemaide's 5 for 21 in 1988.
Like Cummins, Beardman has been mentored by legendary fast bowler Dennis Lillee and has overcome physical challenges during his development. Given the age profile of Australia's Test attack, the young quick appears destined for international cricket's longest format in the coming months, with a tour to England next year potentially on the horizon.
How did England's innings collapse?
England's batting proved no match for Australia's bowling attack. The tourists found themselves in dire straits at 68 for eight before tail-enders mounted a modest recovery. England's first eight wickets fell for 65 runs; the final two partnerships added 66.
Harry Brook and Joe Root, two of England's premier batters, fell early to Beardman's bowling. Root managed only 17 runs in his 200th ODI appearance, having been dropped on four, as he struggled to find rhythm against the movement on offer. Gus Atkinson top-scored for the visitors with 29, while Tom Banton and Will Jacks each contributed 25 runs. Sam Curran and Liam Dawson both departed without scoring, with Beardman claiming both scalps.
Wicketkeeper Josh Inglis took five catches as Australia's bowlers maintained relentless pressure. Spencer Johnson added three for 42 from nine overs, removing Jamie Overton with a return catch after the batter's cross-batted top-edge on four.
How did Australia chase down the target?
Australia's response proved straightforward despite an early setback. Travis Head was bowled by Gus Atkinson for a golden duck, but his opening partner Mitch Marsh—who had won the toss—took a more aggressive approach. Marsh's incendiary 30-ball 50 set the tone for a dominant chase. Australia chased down the target at 132 for 3 in 23.3 overs, winning by seven wickets with 159 balls remaining.
Beardman was named player of the match following his exceptional bowling display. The young fast bowler's performance provided a rare bright spot for Australia during a week marked by off-field turbulence.
What happens next?
The three-match ODI series continues with the second encounter scheduled for 15 November at Adelaide Oval, followed by the third match on 18 November in Hobart. Australia's frontline quicks—Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Scott Boland—have been rested ahead of the four-Test series against New Zealand and subsequent Test tours to India and England, explaining their absence from the Perth fixture.
