New Delhi: Australia sprang a surprise on Tuesday by naming 19-year-old pacer Mahli Beardman on the standby list for the ODI series in England. Since Beardman has played in only one senior professional cricket match so far, hence the move has raised eyebrows.
It has also put Beardman in the spotlight, who plays for Western Australian in the domestic circuit and was called up following a man-of-the-match performance leading his team to victory in the U-19 World Cup final against India in February.
He claimed 10 wickets in six matches at an economy rate of 2.77, capping off the tournament with 3/15 in the final Australia won by 79 runs, bowling out India for 174 in 43.5 overs while defending a score of 253 at Willowmoore Park in Benoni.
All of 6ft 2in, the fast bowler bagged a contract from Big Bash League side Perth Scorchers, having made his List A debut last year in the Marsh Cup for Western Australia against New South Wales at the Cricket Central in Sydney.
Injury cripples Australia
He claimed 1/42 in six overs in his only List A match so far. With skipper Pat Cummins and other first-choice pacers not playing in the England series. Injury has forced the absence of leading quicks including Spencer Johnson and Nathan Ellis.
Though Beardman’s selection over several more experienced candidates has been questioned. Mentored by the legendary Dennis Lillee, Beardman has ability of bowling at over 140km/ph was surprised as the inclusion.
selectors.
“I started the morning off with a little message from Tony (Dodemaide). I didn’t think it was real, to be honest, I thought it might have been one of the boys pranking me,” he said, also shring his delight at the opportunity to rub shoulders with top names.
“Mitch Starc and ‘Hoff’ (Hazlewood), it’s just unbelievable knowledge and an invaluable experience so I can’t wait to get over there and soak up as much knowledge as possible,” he said.
Mahli Beardman has played in only one senior professional cricket match so far, hence the move has raised eyebrows. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
