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Mahli Beardman announced himself as the most exciting fast bowler in Australian cricket by taking 6-24 against England in Perth. The 21-year-old recorded the best bowling figures by an Australian on a one-day international debut to secure a crushing victory.
A Carefree Attitude and an Inspiring Start
When asked how he planned to celebrate his record-breaking performance in his maiden ODI and first home match for Australia, Beardman stated that he intended to head straight to the beach. Captain and fellow Western Australian Mitchell Marsh described him as a carefree individual who loves the ocean and learning about fast bowling.
Growing up, Beardman was inspired to take up cricket after watching Mitchell Johnson tear apart England during the 2013-14 Ashes series. He has also received guidance from another Australian bowling legend, Dennis Lillee, since his teenage years.
Overcoming Injuries and Delivering in Perth
Despite his early promise, Beardman has faced significant challenges, including two back stress injuries that threatened his career. Following a T20 appearance in Pakistan in January where he took 2-33, he admitted to battling doubts about whether his air speed and bowling ability would return. His recovery culminated in a dominant display in Perth, where he averaged 86.5 mph across 7.4 overs and hit a personal record top speed of 90.6 mph. He removed Harry Brook for his first ODI wicket, followed by Joe Root and Jordan Cox, while using a sharp bouncer to trouble Sam Curran.
Former Australia all-rounder Tom Moody told BBC Test Match Special that the youngster bowled with immaculate control and swing while keeping his composure. Former England captain Michael Vaughan added that Beardman possesses a natural, relaxed persona on the field that suggests an incredible career ahead if he remains fit.
Looking Toward the Future of Australian Fast Bowling
With veteran fast bowlers Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc approaching the later stages of their careers, attention has turned to the next generation. Former England bowler Steven Finn noted on TNT Sports that Beardman creates a challenge for right-handers by angling the ball in before making it zip away at the last second, similar to Cummins.
While his immediate future remains focused on white-ball cricket due to his injury history, Beardman joins a promising group of young Australian quicks that includes 20-year-old left-armer Harry Hoekstra and Lance Morris. Moody remarked that the next generation has finally arrived, though Beardman continues to treat his rapid rise with typical calmness.
