Beardman’s record ODI debut raises hopes for Australia’s fast-bowling future

Mahli Beardman made a record-breaking start to his one-day international career, taking 6-24 on debut as Australia beat England in Perth — a performance that has sharpened discussion about the 21-year-old fast bowler’s future, including a possible role in the next Ashes series.

The Western Australian’s figures are the best by an Australian on an ODI debut. He also recorded his fastest match speeds: an average of 86.5mph across 7.4 overs and a quickest delivery of 90.6mph. Beardman dismissed Harry Brook, Joe Root, Jordan Cox, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson and Jofra Archer.

His impact came after two stress injuries in his back during 2025, which followed an early rise through Australian cricket. Beardman, who was player of the match in the 2024 Under-19 World Cup final, had played only 26 professional matches across formats before Friday’s ODI. His previous appearance for Australia was a T20 international in Pakistan in January, where he took 2-33.

Beardman said he had wondered whether he would recover his bowling pace after the injuries. “Will I come back and be able to bowl the same and will the air speed be there?” he said. The Perth performance, where he has played all his domestic cricket so far, eased those doubts.

Australia’s established fast-bowling trio of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc are ageing, and debate about their successors was already under way. Beardman’s injuries mean his immediate prospects are in white-ball cricket, rather than a quick move into Test cricket. He said earlier this year that a red-ball debut for Western Australia had no set date and would be considered “game-by-game”.

Former Australia all-rounder Tom Moody praised Beardman’s control and movement, while former England captain Michael Vaughan said he had “an incredible career ahead of him” if he stayed fit. Beardman, meanwhile, said he wanted to get to the beach after his debut performance.