Mahli Beardman Explained

Mahli Beardman (born 31 August 2005) is an Australian cricketer who plays for Western Australia and Australia under-19s. A fast bowler, Beardman is capable of producing speeds in the mid-140 km/h range.^[1]

Career

Born in Dunsborough and raised in Margaret River, Beardman was first spotted as a 10 year old playing cricket in Cowaramup before moving to Dampier for a two-year stint where the Western Australian Cricket Association first noticed his talent. He then moved to Perth and attended Aquinas College and at age 15, Beardman came to be coached and mentored by Australia bowling great Dennis Lillee.^{[2] [3]} In 2022, he was invited to train with the senior Australian cricket team as they prepared to play a Test match against the West Indies in Perth.^[4]

On 4 November 2023, Beardman made his List-A cricket debut for Western Australia against New South Wales. His first wicket was Moises Henriques, caught at mid-on after the ball had deflected from the non-striker’s helmet.^[5] In April 2024, he was given a rookie pro contract by Western Australia.^[6]

International career

In December 2022, he was called up to the Australia national under-19 cricket team.^[7] He featured as Australia won the 2024 Under-19 Cricket World Cup in South Africa. He was named player of the match in the final after taking 3-15 against India under-19s.^{[8] [9] [10]}

In September 2024, he was called-up as a reserve player for the senior Australia squad ahead of their five-match ODI series in England.^[11]

Notes and References

1. Web site: Lavalette . Tristan . Mahli Beardman: 'Think I can hit the magical 150 mark' . ESPNcricinfo . 16 March 2024 . en . 16 March 2024.
2. Web site: Beardman puts in man of the match at World cup and bounces off the best as World Cup dream heats up. Cricket.com.au. 15 February 2024. 6 February 2024.
3. Web site: Young gun Mahli Beardman reveals his remarkable meeting with Australian legend Dennis Lillee. Jackson . Barrett. The West Australian. 7 February 2024.
4. Web site: WA U19s trio Corey Wasley, Mahli Beardman, Luke Holt join Australian training ahead of Perth West Indies Test. Jordan. McArdle. The West Australian. 28 November 2022. 15 February 2024.
5. Web site: The most bizarre way to get your debut wicket?. ESPN Cricinfo. 15 February 2024. 6 November 2023.
6. Web site: Aussie white-ball stars drop off WA contract list. Cricket.com.au. 20 April 2024. Jack. Paytner. 20 April 2024.
7. Web site: Western Australians Josh Vernon, Mahli Beardman and Luke Holt earn Australian Under-19s selection. Jackson. Barrett. The West Australian. 26 December 2022. 15 February 2024.
8. Web site: Is this the next batch of Australia's golden generation?. espncricinfo. Andrew. McGlashlan. 12 February 2024.
9. Web site: Under 19 World Cup win a sneak peek at the next generation of Australian men’s cricketing stars. The Australian. 15 February 2024. Ben. Horne. 13 February 2024.
10. Web site: How Australia won the Under-19 World Cup. Cricket.com.au. 15 February 2024. 12 February 2024. Louis. Cameron.
11. Web site: Teenage tearaway without first-class cap to join Aussie ODI squad as injury crisis deepens. Fox Sports. Nic. Savage. 16 September 2024. 16 September 2024.