Mahli Beardman takes record 6-24 on ODI debut against England

Mahli Beardman took 6-24 against England in Perth on Friday, setting a record for an Australian bowler on one-day international debut. According to BBC Sport, the 21-year-old's performance helped Australia secure victory in what was also his first international appearance on home soil. He delivered 7.4 overs in a match that followed a carefully managed return from back injuries.

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Harry Brook became Beardman's first ODI wicket, edging the ball at the start of the bowler's second over. Joe Root subsequently edged an attempted drive, while Jordan Cox also fell to an edge. Beardman dismissed Sam Curran with a short delivery that the England all-rounder hooked to fine leg, adding another wicket through a different method of attack.

The BBC reported that Beardman averaged 86.5mph during his spell and reached a maximum of 90.6mph, both personal bests in the recorded data. Alongside that pace, his ability to move the ball in both directions and limit scoring opportunities drew praise from former Australia all-rounder Tom Moody on BBC Test Match Special. Beardman said advice from Adam Zampa after his opening wicket helped him settle.

The performance came after two stress injuries in his back. The first occurred in 2025, with the second following his previous Australia appearance, a Twenty20 international in Pakistan in January in which he took 2-33. Discussing his recovery after Friday's match, Beardman said he had questioned whether he would return with the same bowling speed, although his enthusiasm for cricket had remained intact.

His route to the senior side included an impressive Under-19 World Cup and a tour of England with Australia's white-ball squads two years ago. He did not play on that trip. Even after Friday's appearance, his professional experience remained limited: the Perth match was only his 12th in 50-over cricket, alongside 14 Twenty20 games, the BBC reported.

Beardman has yet to make his first-class debut, and his injury history means his immediate development remains focused on white-ball cricket. Earlier this year, he said there was no fixed date for a red-ball appearance for Western Australia. Friday's record therefore marks a major international achievement without resolving when he will take that next step.