Mahli Beardman takes six wickets in England defeat

England collapse to 131 all out

The match began with Mitchell Marsh winning the toss and choosing to bowl first. Twenty-one-year-old Beardman tore through the England upper order, taking six wickets for 24 runs. Left-armer Spencer Johnson supported him with figures of three wickets for 42 runs. England openers Ben Duckett and Tom Banton took the visitors to 24 off five overs before Duckett edged a delivery to Jack Edwards. The team lost seven wickets for 41 runs as batsmen struggled against the seam and swing at Optus Stadium.

Marsh adds fifty to secure victory

Will Jacks and Gus Atkinson provided a partnership that saved England from being bowled out below 100. Jacks fell to the opening delivery following the refreshment interval with a tally of 25 runs, whereas Atkinson remained unbeaten on 29. Australia then chased down the target with ease as Marsh smashed a 29-ball half-century. He hit four boundaries and cleared the fence four times to delight the home crowd at Optus Stadium.

Context of Sandpapergate scandal

The three-match ODI series started with low-key attention due to the Sandpapergate ball-tampering scandal. This controversy followed the recent launch of former Australian opener Usman Khawaja's autobiography. Australia captain Pat Cummins denied involvement in the plot while calling the allegations utter nonsense. England captain Harry Brook admitted his team did not execute skills well enough on the drop-in wicket.