Daijiworld Media Network - Perth

Perth, Nov 13: Australia’s 21-year-old fast bowler Mahli Beardman made a sensational start to his One-Day International career, claiming six wickets against England in the opening match of their white-ball series at Perth Stadium on November 13.

Australia, after opting to bowl first, restricted England to 131 runs, with Beardman leading the attack through an outstanding spell of 6/24.

With this performance, Beardman became the youngest Australian to claim a five-wicket haul in men’s ODIs. At 21 years and 74 days, he surpassed the previous record held by Cooper Connolly, who achieved the feat at 22 years and two days against South Africa in 2025.

Craig McDermott, who claimed a five-wicket haul at 22 years and 204 days against Pakistan in 1987, and Mitchell Starc, who achieved the feat at 22 years and 211 days in 2012, complete the list of the previous youngest Australian performers.

Speaking after the first innings, Beardman said he was still coming to terms with his achievement and described representing Australia on his debut as a great privilege and honour.

He also singled out the wicket of England captain Harry Brook as his favourite, saying that taking his first wicket helped ease the pressure of making his international debut.