Australian fast bowler Mahli Beardman made a sensational entry into international one-day cricket, claiming a record six-wicket haul on debut to help bowl England out for 131 in the first ODI of the series at Perth Stadium on Friday.

The 21-year-old returned figures of 6-24 in 7.4 overs, registering the best bowling performance by an Australian on ODI debut. He also became the first Australian bowler to claim six wickets in his maiden appearance in the format.

Beardman surpassed the previous Australian record held by Tony Dodemaide, who took 5-21 against Sri Lanka at the WACA in 1988.

His achievement also placed him among a select group of bowlers worldwide to have claimed at least six wickets on their ODI debut. Scotland’s Charlie Cassell holds the overall record, with figures of 7-21 against Oman in 2024.

Handed his debut cap by former Australian batter Michael Hussey, Beardman made an immediate impact after Australia elected to bowl. He removed Harry Brook, Joe Root, Jordan Cox and Sam Curran in a devastating spell that dismantled England’s middle order.

Brook edged behind in Beardman’s second over, while Root fell to a similar dismissal in the next. Cox was caught behind in the fourth over, and Curran departed in the same over after being hurried by a short delivery and caught at deep fine leg.

Beardman completed his five-wicket haul by having Liam Dawson caught at backward point, leaving England struggling at 63/7. Spencer Johnson then removed Jamie Overton to reduce the visitors to 65/8.

Will Jacks and Gus Atkinson briefly resisted, adding 37 runs for the ninth wicket before Johnson dismissed Jacks. Beardman returned to finish the innings, removing Jofra Archer, who was caught by Jack Edwards at backward point.

Xavier Bartlett and Johnson had earlier provided Australia with the initial breakthroughs by dismissing openers Tom Banton and Ben Duckett.

Beardman’s remarkable debut performance ensured that Australia took control of the series opener, while setting a new benchmark for an Australian bowler’s first ODI appearance.