'Tried to get after them from ball one' - Mitchell Owen reflects on match-winning show on T20I debut

Mitchell Owen elaborated on his approach at the crease with the bat after a match-defining knock during the first T20I of the five-match series against West Indies. He shared that his objective was to get going right from the first ball.

He also opened up on batting at No. 6 as someone who has opened the batting for the majority of his cricketing career.

"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 my process and gameplan weren't too far off from opening. We had to strike at 10s or nines when I came out, so I still had to be nice and positive. If I took time to try and get into the innings, I feel like I'd dig myself a hole. So yeah, just tried to get after them from ball one," stated Owen, as quoted by India Today.

Was pretty nervous running in for those first six balls: Owen

The 23-year-old also shared how he felt when he was handed the ball for the sole over he bowled.

"I thought I was on 36 off the over there when he (Shimron Hetmyer) smacked me for six first ball, but I was lucky Shai (Hope) hit one up the chute and I got my first wicket. I was pretty nervous running in for those first six balls, but nice to get it out of the way," added Owen.

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Men's AUS players to score fifty-plus runs on T20I debut

Owen's 27-ball 50 proved to be key in Australia's seven-wicket win. He also picked up the crucial wicket of opposition skipper Shai Hope in the 16th over to halt the progress for West Indies. Owen was awarded the Player of the Match for his stellar performance.