Mitchell Owen was full of gratitude after his “really special” debut helped Australia win their first of five T20Is against West Indies.
After completing a 3-0 series sweep in the Tests, Australia began the T20I series with a three-wicket win at Sabina Park.
Owen bowled just one over but picked up the vital wicket of Shai Hope (55), which triggered a collapse that saw West Indies lose six wickets for 30 runs.
The 23-year-old was worried when Shimron Hetmyer (38) smashed a six in the first ball of his over, but was ultimately glad to make an impact in front of his parents on debut.
“[It was] Really special,” said Owen. “I was obviously stoked to get the hat and stoked to have my parents over here.
“Obviously, it's a bit of travel getting to the West Indies, but yeah, they've sacrificed a lot my whole life, and this trip's only just another one. So super grateful that they got to experience that.
“I thought I was on 36 off the over there when he smacked me for six first ball, but I was lucky Shai hit one up the shoot and got my first wicket. I was pretty nervous running in those first six balls, but nice to get it out of the way.”
Owen’s main contribution came with the bat, where he scored 50 off 27 balls.
He became the fourth Australia player to score 50+ runs in their T20I debut, after Ricky Ponting (98 not out v New Zealand in February 2005), Karen Rolton (96 not out v England in September 2005), and David Warner (89 v South Africa in January 2009).
Owen, who usually opens the batting, also put on an 80-run partnership off just 40 balls alongside Cameron Green to help Australia get over the line.
“It was a lot of fun,” Owen added. “It's the first time I've been on the same side as Greeny. So it was nice to be out there with him and contribute to a pretty good partnership. We kept each other nice and calm and just stuck to our processes.
“I honestly tried not to look at the field too much and just sort of react to each ball, which I think held me in good stead.
“Obviously, it's a little bit different, but I think my process, my game plan, wasn't too different to opening the batting coming in at six. We had to strike at 10s or nines when I came out.
“So I still had to be nice and positive. If I took my time to sort of try and get into innings, I feel like I sort of dig myself a hole. So, yeah, just try and get after them from ball one.”
