The much-anticipated ODI debut of Mahli Beardman turned out to be a record-breaking one. Beardman took six wickets for 24 runs against England in the ODI series opener, breaking the record for best bowling figures for Australia on ODI debut.
The only other Australian bowler to take a fifer on ODI debut is Tony Dodemaide, a current member of the national selection committee. In January 1988 at WACA, Perth, he took five wickets for 21 runs in 7.2 overs against Sri Lanka.
Beardman is also the fifth bowler in ODI history to take a six-fer or more on debut. Scotland's Charlie Cassell holds the record with seven wickets for 21 runs against Oman in 2024. Among Test-playing nations, South Africa's Kagiso Rabada and West Indies' Fidel Edwards have taken six wickets on their ODI debuts. Edwards took six wickets for 22 runs against Zimbabwe in 2003. Rabada bagged six wickets for just 16 runs against Bangladesh in 2015.
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Scotland's Lyle Robertson is another bowler to take a six-fer on debut this year. He took six wickets for 52 runs against Canada in August 2026.
Beardman wreaks havoc
Skipper Mitchell Marsh introduced the 21-year-old pacer into the attack in the 10th over. He started with a maiden over to Joe Root, who was playing his 200th ODI. In his second over, he dismissed England captain Harry Brook. He was caught behind for just a single. In his second over, Root hit him for a boundary. Two balls later, Root went for a drive, but it resulted in an outside edge, with Inglis taking another catch.
After the drinks break, Beardman got the better of Jordan Fox. Inglis took another catch as Cox did not know whether to go forward or get on the back foot. He couldn't strike off a hat-trick ball. On the last ball of the over, he bowled a short delivery to Sam Curran. The all-rounder got a top-edge, and Adam Zampa took an easy catch. Curran departed for a seven-ball duck.
Beardman completed his fifer in his fifth over of the spell. Liam Dawson was caught at backward point by Jack Edwards for a six-ball duck. The extra bounce got the better of Dawson. The young pacer completed his fifer in just 28 balls.
He bowled another over in his first spell, but Will Jacks managed to defend. He conceded 18 runs in the first six overs he bowled.
England 131 all out
Before Beardman was introduced into the attack, left-arm pacer Spencer Johnson drew first blood. He got the wicket of Ben Duckett by generating extra bounce. A few overs later, Xavier Bartlett got Tom Banton out caught behind for a 27-ball 25.
Amid Beardman’s scintillating spell, Johnson took a brilliant catch off his own bowling to dismiss Jamie Overton. He used the extra bounce again. When the ball came towards him, he jumped in the air and took the catch with his non-bowling arm. He also ended the ninth-wicket resistance from Will Jacks by getting him caught behind for a 47-ball 25.
Beardman returned for a second spell in the 32nd over. He conceded two runs against Jofra Archer, including a wide. In the next over, he invited Archer to drive and Edwards took an excellent catch at backward point.
England were bowled out for 131 in 33.4 overs, their fifth-lowest ODI score on Australian soil against the hosts. Despite Beardman’s explosive spell reducing England to 65/8, they recovered and crossed the 100-run mark.
Beardman’s numbers leading up to ODI debut
Before making his ODI debut, Beardman was on Australia A's tour of India. In Puducherry, he took a match-winning four-fer in the second game of the series. He had made a name for himself for Perth Scorchers in the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-26. He took 13 wickets in 11 games, averaging 22.38.
Before rushing through England's batting lineup, he had played just 11 List A games, taking 21 wickets at an average of 23.80, featuring two four-fers.
IPL calling for Beardman?
In the upcoming IPL 2027 mini-auction, if Beardman chooses to register, he can start a bidding war. Punjab Kings (PBKS) head coach Ricky Ponting may look at Dennis Lillee-mentored Beardman as an investment going ahead, especially after trading their strike bowler Arshdeep Singh to Mumbai Indians (MI) for all-rounder Hardik Pandya. Several other franchises, including Delhi Capitals (DC), Chennai Super Kings (CSK), and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), will be searching for an overseas pacer.
Beardman’s comments after breaking long-standing record
Beardman was taken back by his own performance as he revealed in a conversation with the broadcasters.
"To be honest, I'm not sure what just happened. It all happened very quickly, but yeah, it's just a great privilege and honour, to be able to represent my country and to be able to go out and take a few wickets as well. It's just the cherry on the top," he said after the six-fer.
Beardman was asked the pick his favourite wicket out of the six. He picked the England captain's scalp.
"I think the first one. Harry Brook, was a nice wicket, but just to get off the mark. I think any time you get your first one, it's a little bit of weight off the shoulders, so that was awesome," said the young pacer.
Beardman revealed that he was nervous going into the game but eased into the ODI action. He lauded Marsh for his leadership.
"I was pretty nervous early. My first ball, it's always just trying to hit the cut stuff, and I was a little bit worried. But once I got that one out of the way, then, yeah, I think everything started to feel pretty natural. I think obviously such a great group to be around, and Bison's such an incredible leader, so that calmed most nerves, and yeah, it was just fortunate to be able to do it with this group," the debutant added.