England fail to adapt to conditions in Perth

England lost to Australia in the first ODI of the three-match series, played at Optus Stadium. The side were bowled out for 131 in 33.4 overs. Australia reached the target in 23.3 overs to win by seven wickets. The second match of the series will be played in Adelaide on Sunday, and the series will end in Hobart on Wednesday. The matches start at 03:30 UK time.

Head coach Brendon McCullum said his team had not adapted quickly enough to the conditions. He said the pitch bounced like a trampoline, which made some shots very difficult to play. McCullum noted that the last four matches at this ground had finished in about 30 overs. He also added that the team had prepared expecting a score of more than 131.

England's collapse to 65 for eight defined the course of the match. 21-year-old Mahli Beardman made his debut and stood out with figures of 6-24, taking six wickets. Will Jacks scored 25 and Gus Atkinson made an unbeaten 29, lifting the total a little.

Former England wicketkeeper Matt Prior said travelling to Perth has always been difficult for the English. He said the pace and bounce are very different, and that English batters have struggled to adapt. McCullum said the bounce could also test batters on the World Cup pitches in Africa, and that they would have to find a solution.