Last Updated on 9 seconds ago by Charbel Coorey
Mahli Beardman is the source of a feel-good story in what has been an eventful week in Australian cricket. The highly-rated 21-year-old had a day to remember, taking 6/24 on ODI debut to dismantle England for 131 at Perth Stadium.
Beardman, part of Australia’s 2024 U19 World Cup-winning team, has been touted as one of the players to watch in the coming years. He produced immediately, taking the big wickets of Harry Brook and Joe Root within three overs. He eventually finished with the best figures on men’s ODI debut for Australia.
The fast bowler regularly hit speeds of around and above 140km/h. However, the most impressive feature of his performance was his consistency. He tested the England batsmen on the front foot and showcased his ability to get the ball to shape away from the right-handers even from wider of the crease. He had five players caught behind the wicket.
Beardman dismissed Brook with an outstanding delivery that angled in and seamed away to catch the England captain’s outside edge. Joe Root, who was struggling, was caught behind off an attempted cover drive. Jordan Cox was then undone by another superb Beardman outswinger.
England were then reduced to 58/6 with Sam Curran hooking a well-directed short delivery down the fine leg. Liam Dawson and Jofra Archer were Beardman’s final two scalps, and both were out caught at point attempting a drive on a Perth pitch offering tennis ball-like bounce.
Reactions: Mahli Beardman takes 6/24 as England bowled out for 131 in 1st ODI at Perth
“It all happened very quickly. It’s a great honour to represent my country and to take wickets is the cherry on top,” Beardman said after the innings. “Awesome to bowl alongside those guys [Xavier Bartlett and Spencer Johnson] and get the job done.”
Fans, pundits and former players were all over it on social media, praising the 21-year-old for his excellent performance. Among those were Ian Bishop.
Here are some of the reactions.
