ENGLAND Cricket have began their series down under in a very similar fashion to how they started their 2025/26 Ashes series 11 months ago in Perth.
The Three Lions were bowled out for a measly 131 inside just 33.4 overs, and Australia cruised to a straightforward seven wicket victory to begin the three-match series.
Despite strong performances with the bat in their recent tri-series with Sri Lanka and Pakistan, it is clear that England’s batting still needs to improve if they are to challenge the top nations.
For Australian Cricket, it was a dominant, statement victory which came at a very good time amidst ex-test opener Usman Khawaja’s comments on the 2018 sandpaper scandal in South Africa.
The hosts made a risk in the selection process, opting to not go with any of their prominent bowling attack, with Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc all missing out in their ODI squad entirely.
One game-changing risk came when the hosts included and gave a debut to medium-fast bowler Mahli Beardman, but after winning the toss and bowling first it was clear they made the right choice.
The 21-year-old ripped through England’s middle order, claiming figures of 6-24 off 7.4 overs, which included the poles of Joe Root and captain Harry Brook.
Ex-Surrey quick Spencer Johnson also joined in on the wickets, claiming three from his nine overs as England’s tail showed resilience to recover from 65-8 to 131 all out.
Top run scorer from the first innings Gus Atkinson bowled Travis Head out as the tourists looked to respond to a poor batting effort.
However, a classy 50 from skipper Mitch Marsh, alongside handy knocks from Cooper Connolly, Josh Inglis and Matthew Renshaw meant Australia eased through to a seven wicket victory to begin the three-match series.
For Hampshire fans, ex-overseas spinner Adam Zampa went wicketless from his three overs, while Liam Dawson was caught and bowled by Johnson for nought, so he will hope to bounce back along with the rest of his side when they meet again in Adelaide on Sunday.
