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"Joining Warner And Ponting...": Owen Shares 'Special' Message After Dream T20I Debut

Soumyajit Dutta

Mitchell Owen [Source: @Off_Spinnerr/X.com]Mitchell Owen [Source: @Off_Spinnerr/X.com]

Mitchell Owen just announced his arrival on the international stage as he kicked the door down with a blistering, record-equalling half-century that propelled Australia to a thrilling three-wicket victory over the West Indies in the first T20I.

Owen's electrifying 50 off just 27 balls, laced with six towering sixes, rescued Australia from a precarious 78/4 and etched his name alongside Australian greats David Warner and Ricky Ponting as only the third Australian man to score a fifty on T20I debut.

Mitchell Owen Opens Up On 'Special' Fifty

Speaking to reporters after receiving his Player of the Match cap, Mitchell Owen couldn't hide his delight at joining an illustrious company of David Warner and Ricky Ponting with his maiden T20I fifty.

"I am firstly happy to have got the win, happy to contribute. (It's) great to join those two class players [Warner and Ponting]. That’s pretty special," Owen said after the match.

When asked about his approach to walking into a high-pressure chase, Owen revealed it was business as usual, honed over recent months. 

"I have been trying to bat positively over the last 6-8 months, and there wasn't anything different today. Just tried to put the pressure on the bowlers," Owen added.

Owen Opens Up On Partnership With Green

Owen credited the experienced Cameron Green, his partner in the decisive stand, for providing crucial composure during their whirlwind partnership. "(It) was great batting with him, kept me calm," Owen acknowledged. 

The duo smashed 80 runs off just 40 balls, dismantling the West Indies' grip on the game. "Hope we do it together a lot more," Owen added, hinting at a potent future combination for Australia in the middle order.

While Owen has often batted up the order in domestic cricket, his debut came in the crucial number six slot. He highlighted the key tactical shift.

"(The) only difference is five fielders out. I try to put that out of my mind and swing hard," Owen added.

Australia's New T20 Weapon?

Owen's fearless debut, marked by raw power and a refreshingly simple mindset, not only secured a vital series-opening win for Australia but also announced the arrival of a potent new weapon in their T20 arsenal. 

His philosophy of applying pressure and swinging hard, combined with his ability to thrive under pressure and alongside established stars like Green, makes him an exciting prospect as Australia builds towards next year's T20 World Cup.