Today, in the first ODI between Australia and England, the cricket world witnessed the rise of a new star. The biggest thing is that this young sensation was already being seen as Australian cricket’s next big thing. But few could have imagined that he would achieve something on his ODI debut that so many great bowlers never managed.
We are talking about Mahli Beardman. Get used to the name, because this young fast bowler has the talent to keep making headlines. Against England in Perth, he showed exactly why Australia rates him so highly.
Mahli Beardman Takes Five Wickets in Just 28 Balls
England had lost two wickets when Beardman entered the attack as the first-change bowler. He had not been handed the new ball, but he needed no time to make an impression.
His first over was a maiden to Joe Root, one of the finest ODI batters of his generation. In his second over, Beardman claimed his first ODI wicket—and it was England captain Harry Brook.
It was the kind of delivery a fast bowler dreams of bowling. The movement and extra bounce forced Brook into an edge, with Josh Inglis completing the catch behind the stumps.
Root was uncomfortable against him too. Beardman eventually found his outside edge, sending him back for 17. Jordan Cox followed before Sam Curran and Liam Dawson both fell without scoring.
At the time of writing, Beardman had taken five wickets, reaching the milestone in just 28 deliveries.
He became only the second Australian men’s cricketer to take a five-wicket haul on ODI debut. Tony Dodemaide was the first, taking 5/21 against Sri Lanka in 1988. Beardman ended a 38-year wait for another Australian to achieve that feat and became the 18th bowler in men’s ODI history to do so.
India Had Already Seen His Talent
Beardman’s ability did not suddenly appear against England. He had already delivered on one of the biggest stages available to a young cricketer.
In the 2024 Under-19 World Cup final against India, he took 3/15 in seven overs and won the Player of the Match award as Australia lifted the trophy.
His progress continued through domestic cricket and Australia A opportunities. During the recent one-day tour of India, he took five wickets in two appearances, including 4/23 in the opening game in Puducherry. Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal were among his victims.
That was a strong Indian batting group, yet Beardman’s pace and bounce caused serious problems. His England spell brought those same qualities to ODI cricket.
Why the Mitchell Starc Comparison Makes Sense
Beardman is a right-arm fast bowler, while Mitchell Starc bowls left-arm. The comparison is about their attacking approach and ability to make a major impact.
Like a young Starc, Beardman wants to bowl fast and take wickets. Against England, he combined pace above 140 kmph with movement, extra bounce and disciplined lines. The pitch offered assistance, but his control allowed him to make full use of it.
Australia’s opening bowlers had provided the early breakthroughs. Beardman then ripped through the middle order, making established international batters look uncertain.
There was thought behind the aggression too. He challenged the outside edge with fuller deliveries and used the short ball effectively, including the bouncer that brought Curran’s wicket.
His Under-19 final performance and this ODI debut also point to a valuable quality: the confidence to deliver when the occasion demands it. That is what makes the Starc comparison exciting.
Australia Has Another Fast Bowler to Watch
At 21, Beardman still has room to develop his strength, consistency and skills. The prospect of him eventually pushing beyond 150 kmph makes his progress even more interesting, although sustained pace and fitness will matter just as much.
He had already made his T20I debut against Pakistan earlier in 2026. This was his introduction to ODI cricket, and he immediately made a case for more opportunities.
As Australia prepares for the years beyond Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins, Beardman has given the selectors a compelling reason to invest in him. He has already delivered in an Under-19 World Cup final. Now he has dismantled England’s middle order on ODI debut.