Beardman's six-for on debut gives Australia momentary relief from sandpapergate
Debutant Mahli Beardman nailed Joe Root on his 200th ODI • Getty Images
England 131 (Atkinson 29*, Banton 25, Jacks 25, Beardman 6-24, Johnson 3-42) vs Australia
In a much-needed tonic amid a turbulent period for Australian cricket, emerging quick Mahli Beardman produced a spectacular six-wicket haul on ODI debut as England's batting-order succumbed in the series-opener on a pacy Perth Stadium surface.
Hours after Pat Cummins wrapped up an extraordinary press conference that gripped the nation, Beardman, 21, provided some momentary relief and a glimpse of the future with 6 for 24 off 7.4 overs. It was the best figures by an Australian on ODI debut and the fourth overall. England were bowled out for 131 in 33.4 overs.
Beardman unfurled hostile shorter deliveries mixed with dangerous fuller ones that completely bamboozled the opposition. His only previous international match was a T20I in Pakistan earlier this year.
After entering the attack in the 10th over, Beardman ran rampant with speeds in the mid-140 kph as he shook up England's tame batting-order. He nicked off captain Harry Brook and Joe Root with superb deliveries before running through the middle-order. Left-arm quick Spencer Johnson also claimed 3 for 42.
Almost exactly a year since England suffered a humiliating two-day Test defeat on the ground, their batters struggled in conditions that were a far cry to the very flat surfaces of Pakistan they played on in the recent tri-series.
Australia's top six, the line-up skipper Mitchell Marsh expects will be at next year's World Cup, will be eyeing running down this total with ease and ensure a crushing victory to start the three-match ODI series. England have again opted for left-arm spinner Liam Dawson over veteran Adil Rashid, who was overlooked for most of the Pakistan tri-series.
All eyes at the start were on Beardman, a precocious talent who has had a torrid run of back injuries so far in his fledgling career. He received warm applause from his home fans, clearly the biggest ovation when the teams were announced pre-game, before Marsh opted to bowl under typical Perth sunshine.
After such a furore off the field, Australia's home summer was launched with Xavier Bartlett bowling a perfect outswinger in a major initiation for Tom Banton who was beaten all ends up.
Beardman did not grab the new ball, but made his presence felt by showcasing outstanding athleticism with a terrific one-handed diving effort that stopped a boundary wide of fine leg.
Banton and Ben Duckett hoped to continue their blossoming opening partnership after a productive period in Pakistan. But they struggled with the searing bounce, scraping together an unconvincing 24-run stand.
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