In this article, we will discuss the Top 3 bowling performances by Australian players on ODI debut. Debuting in cricket is a momentous occasion for any player, marking their entry into the international arena. It signifies years of dedication, hard work, and determination culminating in representing their country at the highest level. Debutants often experience a mix of nerves and excitement as they take their first steps onto the field, aiming to make a memorable impression and carve out a successful career in the sport.
In addition to this, debuting for a country like Australia is also a huge occasion for any player just for the sake of the sheer competitive nature that is present.
Let’s look at the top three best performances for Australian players on debut with the ball in hand:
3. Xavier Doherty (4/46)
Xavier Doherty is a left-arm spinner renowned for his prowess in limited-overs cricket, previously held the position of Australia’s primary slow bowler in ODIs. In November 2010, he made a memorable debut against Sri Lanka, claiming four wickets. Remarkably, during the same month, he was also awarded his first Test cap for Australia. In the 60 ODI games which he had played for Australia Doherty has picked up 55 wickets so far.
2. Xavier Bartlett (4/17)
The 2023-24 season marked a breakout period for Xavier Bartlett. Leading the wicket charts for Brisbane Heat in the BBL, the right-arm pacer subsequently made his international debut, securing four-wicket hauls in his first two ODIs against West Indies. Shortly after, Bartlett earned his inaugural Cricket Australia contract. In his debut match against West Indies, the star speedster registered a brilliant bowling figure of 4/17 with an average of 4.25 and an economy of 1.88.
1. Tony Dodemaide (5/21)
Tony Dodemaide’s cricketing career was relatively unremarkable, yet it had its notable highlights. The right-arm fast-medium bowler had the best debut that any cricketer would ever ask for. On his ODI debut against Sri Lanka in Perth during the 1987-88 season, Tony Dodemaide claimed a five-wicket haul and also scored 50 runs while batting at number nine. Dodemaide lastly ended the match with a bowling figure of 5/21 at an average of 4.20 and an economy of 2.86. In his short career of 24 ODIs, he amassed 36 wickets with his debut match’s figure being his best bowling figure.