Australian pacer Spencer Johnson produced a spectacular fielding effort during the first ODI against England at the Optus Stadium in Perth on November 13. The left-arm quick showed excellent reflexes to grab a one-handed return catch and send Jamie Overton back to the pavilion.
The dismissal came during England’s difficult first innings, as Australia’s bowlers continued to exploit the bounce on offer at Perth. Johnson had already picked up a wicket earlier in the innings, while debutant Mahli Beardman had dismantled England’s middle order with a remarkable spell.
Spencer Johnson pulls off a stunning one-handed catch
The incident took place in the 19th over of England’s innings when Johnson bowled a short delivery to Overton. The England all-rounder rocked back and attempted to pull the ball, but the extra bounce meant he could not get the desired connection. The ball came off the splice of Overton’s bat and travelled back towards the bowler. Johnson reacted instantly, leapt into the air and grabbed the ball with his right hand to complete a superb return catch.
He roared in celebration after holding on to the opportunity, dismissing Overton for just four runs off six deliveries. Interestingly, Johnson had earlier dropped a catch off his own bowling, making the effort an impressive response after missing that opportunity. The wicket left England reeling at 65/8 inside 19 overs, with Australia firmly on top in the contest.
Here’s the video:
This angle of Johnson’s unbelievable catch 🤌😮💨#AUSvENG pic.twitter.com/PiC3YGUUSV
— FanCode (@FanCode) November 13, 2026
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Mahli Beardman stars on ODI debut as England struggle in Perth
Earlier, England had been asked to bat first after Australia captain Mitchell Marsh won the toss and elected to bowl. The visitors made a brisk start through Tom Banton and Ben Duckett, but Johnson broke their opening stand by dismissing Duckett for nine in the sixth over. Banton followed soon after, scoring 25 off 27 balls before edging Xavier Bartlett’s delivery behind to wicketkeeper Josh Inglis.
The major damage, however, came from debutant Mahli Beardman, who produced a sensational spell of fast bowling on his home ground. The Western Australian pacer picked up five wickets for just 18 runs in six overs, dismissing Harry Brook, Joe Root, Jordan Cox, Sam Curran and Liam Dawson to reduce England to 60/7.
Johnson then added Overton’s wicket to the collapse, leaving England at 65/8 and in danger of registering their lowest-ever ODI total of 86. Will Jacks and Gus Atkinson subsequently offered some resistance, guiding the visitors to 131 after 33.4 overs and helping them move past that unwanted record.
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