Beardman's six-for on debut gives Australia momentary relief from sandpapergate

In a much-needed tonic amid a turbulent period for Australian cricket, emerging quick Mahli Beardman produced a spectacular six-wicket haul on ODI debut as England's batting-order succumbed in the series-opener on a pacy Perth Stadium surface.

Hours after Pat Cummins wrapped up an extraordinary press conference that gripped the nation, Beardman, 21, provided some momentary relief and a glimpse of the future with 6 for 24 off 7.4 overs. It was the best figures by an Australian on ODI debut and the fourth overall. England were bowled out for 131 in 33.4 overs.

Beardman unfurled hostile shorter deliveries mixed with dangerous fuller ones that completely bamboozled the opposition. His only previous international match was a T20I in Pakistan earlier this year.

After entering the attack in the 10th over, Beardman ran rampant with speeds in the mid-140 kph as he shook up England's tame batting-order. He nicked off captain Harry Brook and Joe Root with superb deliveries before running through the middle-order. Left-arm quick Spencer Johnson also claimed 3 for 42.

Almost exactly a year since England suffered a humiliating two-day Test defeat on the ground, their batters struggled in conditions that were a far cry to the very flat surfaces of Pakistan they played on in the recent tri-series.

Australia's top six, the line-up skipper Mitchell Marsh expects will be at next year's World Cup, will be eyeing running down this total with ease and ensure a crushing victory to start the three-match ODI series. England have again opted for left-arm spinner Liam Dawson over veteran Adil Rashid, who was overlooked for most of the Pakistan tri-series.

All eyes at the start were on Beardman, a precocious talent who has had a torrid run of back injuries so far in his fledgling career. He received warm applause from his home fans, clearly the biggest ovation when the teams were announced pre-game, before Marsh opted to bowl under typical Perth sunshine.

After such a furore off the field, Australia's home summer was launched with Xavier Bartlett bowling a perfect outswinger in a major initiation for Tom Banton who was beaten all ends up.

Beardman did not grab the new ball, but made his presence felt by showcasing outstanding athleticism with a terrific one-handed diving effort that stopped a boundary wide of fine leg.

Banton and Ben Duckett hoped to continue their blossoming opening partnership after a productive period in Pakistan. But they struggled with the searing bounce, scraping together an unconvincing 24-run stand.

Banton was lucky to get away with a thick edge that flew over the slips after miscuing an attempted pull off Johnson. Duckett never looked settled and on 9 sliced Johnson to backward point after attempting a particularly risky shot on this surface - a square drive on the up.

Root entered amid the familiar tune of 'Hey Joe', as the healthy number of England fans found voice in the terraces. But his milestone 200th ODI did not go to plan. He looked uncharacteristically scratchy at the crease and was fortunate to be dropped on 3 by Cooper Connolly in a regulation chance at backward point. Bartlett was left frustrated, but his mood soon improved when he had Banton edging to first slip.

Beardman was a complete menace after being unleashed. He showed no nerves in his first international match on home soil, starting with a maiden in an over marked by accurate back of a length bowling. His first wicket was particularly memorable, a pearler of a delivery that angled in then moved away wickedly to catch the edge of Brook's bat.

Root had crawled to 12 off 33 balls before scoring his first boundary when a thick inside edge off Beardman flew through his legs and to the boundary. He was left helpless moments later when he edged a full ball that shaped away, a wicked delivery that was reminiscent of Dale Steyn whom David Warner has likened Beardman to.

Beardman had the giddy crowd in the palm of his hands, with fans clapping loudly as he ran into bowl. He was not nearly done, nicking off Jordan Cox before bouncing out Sam Curran. Beardman raised the ball aloft after having Dawson caught at backward point. He had a five-for in just 28 balls - the quickest ever by an Australian bowler in ODIs.

England appeared in grave danger of falling short of their lowest ODI score of 86 against Australia in Manchester in 2001. Will Jacks and Gus Atkinson produced a 37-run ninth-wicket partnership to ensure that ignominy was at least avoided. But England are staring down the barrel after Beardman finished off the innings by dismissing Jorfa Archer, walking off the field to thunderous applause.