Mitchell Owen more nervous with bat than ball in impressive Australia debut

Owen smashed 50 off just 27 balls - joining Ricky Ponting and David Warner as the only Australian men to hit a T20I half-century on debut - and took the key wicket of Shai Hope in his only over, sparking a West Indies collapse of 6 for 30.

He admitted the nerves were high when he bowled his first ball-launched for six by Shimron Hetmyer. "I thought I was on 36 off the over there," he joked. "But I was lucky Shai hit one up and I got my first wicket. I was pretty nervous those first six balls."

Owen's aggressive batting stood out, especially given he batted at No. 6 - a position where he had previously struggled in domestic cricket. Typically an opener for the Hobart Hurricanes, he said his approach didn't change. "The field was set with five out, but I tried not to look at that. I knew if I tried to settle, I'd dig a hole - so I just stayed positive from ball one."

Owen's six-hitting ability shone, especially against spin - an area where Australia's middle order has historically struggled. He blasted three sixes in one over off Akeal Hosein and cleared the rope six times in total, without hitting a single four.

His 80-run stand with Cameron Green (51 off 26) helped Australia recover from 78 for 4 to chase down 190. "We kept each other calm and stuck to our processes," Owen said. "It was the first time I've played alongside Greeny - good to put a partnership together."

His performance impressed teammates and selectors alike. Ben Dwarshuis, who took 4 for 36 in the match, praised Owen's power-hitting. "He's on another level right now. If you miss your length, he punishes you."

Owen capped off the night by receiving his cap from close friend Nathan Ellis, with his parents and partner watching from the stands. "Really special," he said. "They've sacrificed so much for me. Having them here made it even better."