The champion batsman blasted six sixes on his way to a crucial 50 in his very first match in Australian colours.
Australian T20 debutant Mitch Owen has joined rare company by cracking a game-breaking half-century in a three-wicket triumph over the West Indies.
In reply to the West Indies’ 8-189, Australia reached 7-190 to win game one of the five-match series in Jamaica with seven balls to spare.
Owen smacked six sixes in his stunning 50 from 27 balls, joining Ricky Ponting and David Warner as the only Australians to make a half-century on T20I debut.
“It’s great to join those class players,” Owen said.
Owen combined with an equally brutal Cameron Green (51 from 26 balls, five sixes) for the decisive partnership.
The pair were united with Australia wobbling at 4-78 in the ninth over at Sabina Park in Kingston.
Owen, who shot to prominence with a 39-ball century for the Hobart Hurricanes in last January’s BBL final, got off the mark with a six over mid-off.
“Honestly not too much changed,” Owen said of his approach to the jump to international ranks.
“I still went out there and tried to hit six first, and then work my way down.