Last Updated on 11 seconds ago by Charbel Coorey
England levelled the ODI series against Australia in emphatic fashion, thumping the hosts by 135 runs at Adelaide Oval.
After winning the toss and electing to bowl, Australia captain Mitch Marsh announced that Mahli Beardman was rested for the second match. Australia opted to manage the 21-year-old’s workload after he had a day out in Perth on Friday, where he took 6/24 to dismantle England for 131.
“Mahli Beardman, young kid, tough to back up on 48 hours turnaround, he rests today and Riley Meredith comes in,” said Marsh at the toss.
A Cricket Australia spokesperson said the priority for Beardman is to “build capacity following recent injuries”, as per cricket.com.au. The fast bowler has had a history of back injuries, including one that kept him out for seven months this year.
England took advantage, scoring a mammoth 355/6 on an easy-paced pitch. Tom Banton starred with a 99-ball 121. Joe Root (62 off 68 balls), Jordan Cox (67 off 49 balls) and Will Jacks (54* off 40 balls) ensured the strong platform did not go to waste.
Riley Meredith was brought into the XI in place of Beardman. The fast bowler was expensive, conceding 75 runs from his 10 overs as the others also struggled to maintain control. Only Cooper Connolly (three overs for 11 runs) conceded less than a run-a-ball, while every other bowler bar Adam Zampa (54 off his nine overs) conceded over seven runs per over.
In response, Australia were never in the hunt after they were reduced to 13/3 and 29/4. Gus Atkinson was the chief destroyer taking three of the first four wickets to fall, en route to final figures of 4/28 off 10 overs.
Fans question Australia’s decision to rest Mahli Beardman for Adelaide ODI against England
Fans were unimpressed with Australia’s decision to rest Beardman.
“Lots of kids excited to see him play, what a great time for a rest. Meanwhile we have [Ben] Dwarshius who has done nothing to warrant a selection [in Australia’s T20I squad],” wrote one fan on X.
“Mahli Beardman getting the Boland treatment. Perform and you’re out,” wrote another.
However, there is the view that managing Beardman is important given the fast bowler recently returned to action following a stress fracture. The 21-year-old has featured for Western Australia in the One Day Cup and Australia A in India recently.
He will surely return for the third and deciding ODI at Hobart on Wednesday.
