Australia race to paltry target after debutant quick Beardman routs England in first ODI
Sport | The Guardian
A week of watching Australian cricket descend into civil war ended with smiles being wiped from English faces after a stunning debut from fast bowler Mahli Beardman consigned the tourists to an all-too-familiar hammering in Perth.
Victory in a low-key one-day international was never going to atone for the galling start to that failed Ashes campaign here 12 months ago. Nevertheless, England appeared better prepared this time, while the hosts were missing their big three quicks and fighting sandpaper-related bushfires off the field.
And yet by 4.38pm local time – nine hours after Pat Cummins had finished his marathon takedown of Usman Khawaja’s autobiography in Sydney – Harry Brook’s side were 1-0 down once again. Rolled for 131 all out in just 33.4 overs, having been 68 for eight at one stage, a seven-wicket loss was the upshot.
There was more than a touch of Cummins about their tormentor on the day, too, with Beardman claiming figures of six for 24 from 7.4 overs in his first ODI – a new national record, no less. Just 21 years old, but already touching 90mph on the speed gun, the Western Australian looks a considerable prospect.
Much like Cummins, Beardman has been mentored by the great Dennis Lillee and endured battles with a rebellious body along the way. Even with a first-class debut still pending, it would not be a shock to see him handed a baggy green cap in the coming months or travel to England for the Ashes next year.
