Cricket-Australia's Beardman sparks England capitulation with six wickets on debut

Debutant Mahli Beardman took 6-24 in the first one-day ​international on Friday to steer Australia to a ​seven-wicket win over England in Perth, despite discontent ‌in ​the home camp after the resurfacing of "Sandpapergate" allegations.

England were bowled out for 131 in 33.4 overs after losing the toss, and the hosts reached 132-3 in 23.3 overs ‌courtesy of a quickfire 50 by captain Mitch Marsh. "It's just a great privilege and honour to be able to represent my country, and then to be able to go out and take a few wickets as well is just a cherry on top," ‌said Beardman.

The match was played against a backdrop of division in Australian cricket following the release this week of Usman ‌Khawaja's autobiography, in which the batter said knowledge of the 2018 ball-tampering incident in Cape Town extended beyond those sanctioned. Current test captain Pat Cummins described the allegations as "100% wrong" at an hour-long press conference on Friday. Former Australia opener David Warner, who received a 12-month playing ban for his ⁠role in ​the ball-tampering incident, supported Khawaja's ⁠account in TV commentary.

Australia started positively on Friday on a fast and bouncy pitch at Perth Stadium, with seamers Spencer Johnson (3-42) and Xavier Bartlett (1-46) forcing ⁠catches off England openers Ben Duckett for nine and Tom Banton for 25. Western Australia fast bowler Beardman, in his first ODI, then wreaked ​havoc.

The right-armer hit an immaculate length and had the ball seaming away, with wicketkeeper Josh Inglis catching England skipper ⁠Harry Brook for one, Joe Root for 17 and Jordan Cox for two. Sam Curran and Liam Dawson then failed to score as Beardman became the ⁠first ​Australian since Tony Dodemaide in 1988 to take five wickets on his debut.

The 21-year-old picked up his sixth wicket when Jofra Archer was caught at gully for 11, leaving top-scorer Gus Atkinson with no more partners and unbeaten on 29. Atkinson ⁠bowled Travis Head for a golden duck in the second over of Australia's reply but Marsh struck four sixes in ⁠his half-century before being caught ⁠in the deep off Jamie Overton (1-35).

With the sting gone from the game, Archer had Cooper Connolly caught for 27, before Matt Renshaw joined Inglis to guide Australia home. The three-match series moves ‌to Adelaide on ‌Sunday and concludes in Hobart on Wednesday.