Cricket: Australia beats England by seven wickets in series opener

Australia beat England by seven wickets in the first men’s cricket one-day international in Perth, reaching 132-3 in 23.3 overs after bowling England out for 131 in 33.4 overs.

The match opened a three-match series in the format that gives each side up to 50 overs to bat. Australia won the toss and chose to bowl first.

Beardman sets a debut record

Mahli Beardman finished with 6-24 — 6 wickets for 24 runs conceded — the best bowling figures by an Australian on one-day international debut. He was named player of the match.

England kept attacking balls passing outside the off-stump, the outermost stump on the batter’s bat side, the Guardian said. Wicketkeeper Josh Inglis caught 3 of Beardman’s victims behind the stumps, while Jack Edwards caught 2 more in the gully, a close catching position to the side behind the batter.

Marsh gives Australia a fast start

Australia captain Mitchell Marsh scored 50 to give the chase a rapid start. Australia reached the target with seven wickets still available, meaning England had dismissed only three batters.

Two matches remain in the series, giving England a chance to draw level and Australia a chance to secure the series with another win.