Mahli Beardman was cruising down the Kwinana Freeway, listening to drum and bass to get in the zone for a Perth Scorchers media appearance, when a call from George Bailey appeared on his dashboard. The chief selector delivered unexpected news: Beardman was added to Australia’s T20 squad to face the reigning world champions, India. This call caught the 20-year-old by surprise, as he hadn’t played any 20-over cricket since January and only had five List A matches to his name.
Despite his inexperience, Beardman will join the national squad ahead of Sunday’s third T20 in Hobart, replacing superstar seamer Josh Hazlewood for the remainder of the series. “It’s very surreal,” Beardman remarked. “It was super out of the blue, but an absolute honour.”
From Local Nets to National Spotlight
Beardman, born and raised in Cowaramup, a small town in Western Australia, headlines an exciting crop of young cricketers who helped Australia win the Under-19 World Cup in South Africa last year. His journey from local nets to the national spotlight is a testament to his raw talent and dedication.
Even as a teenager, Beardman was reaching speeds of 130km/h, catching the attention of cricket legend Dennis Lillee. “This kid’s absolutely peppering my bin,” a local winemaker had told Lillee, leading to a mentorship that continues to this day. Lillee’s influence has been instrumental in Beardman’s development, providing him with the technical insights and confidence needed to succeed at higher levels.
Speed and Skill: A Deadly Combination
What sets Beardman apart is his pace, already clocking 148km/h on the speed gun. “Still chasing that 150 mark,” he laughed, expressing his ambition to get even faster with more pre-seasons in the gym. His natural bowling action has drawn comparisons to Australian Test captain Pat Cummins, another player mentored by Lillee.
Beardman’s ability to generate vertical movement, or “loop,” differentiates him from other young quicks. This skill, typically associated with spin bowlers, allows him to get the ball to dip before shooting off the pitch, a trait praised by former national teammate Kerry O’Keeffe.
From World Cup Hero to Aussie Squad Member
After moving to Perth during his teens, Beardman began working through the West Australian pathways program. He made his List A debut in November 2023 at age 18 and quickly became a standout in the Under-19 World Cup, claiming 10 wickets at 10.50 across six games. His performance in the final against India, where he took 3-15, was pivotal in securing Australia’s first title in 14 years.
His rapid rise caught the attention of national selectors, leading to his inclusion in Australia’s ODI squad as an injury replacement for a tour against England. Although he didn’t debut, the experience of training alongside seasoned pros like Starc and Hazlewood was invaluable.
The Scorchers’ Pace Cartel
Beardman made his Big Bash League debut for the Scorchers last summer, impressing with figures of 3-17 against the Adelaide Strikers. The Scorchers’ squad, packed with experienced quicks, has been a nurturing environment for Beardman. He has absorbed insights from veterans like AJ Tye and Jhye Richardson, further honing his craft.
According to West Australian bowling coach Tim MacDonald, Beardman’s natural bowling action and ability to absorb information make him a promising prospect for the future. “There’s probably some Pat Cummins about the way that he bowls,” MacDonald noted, highlighting Beardman’s athleticism and skill.
Challenges and Aspirations
Despite his rapid ascent, Beardman has faced challenges, including minor injury setbacks that have interrupted his development. National selectors have encouraged him to build his physical resilience to prepare for first-class cricket. The balance between maintaining his speed and managing his physical load is a delicate one.
“Your bone density drops significantly when you start growing,” Beardman explained, acknowledging the risks of bowling at high speeds during growth spurts. With the support of WA Cricket, he is working on refining his bowling action to prevent further injuries.
The Dream of Test Cricket
For Beardman, Test cricket remains the ultimate goal. “That’s been the goal since I was a kid,” he said, dreaming of playing a Boxing Day Test with a baggy green on his head. If all goes according to plan, he hopes to be playing Sheffield Shield cricket by the end of the season, marking another step towards his dream.
As Australia prepares for a period of transition, with several senior players nearing the end of their careers, the emergence of young talents like Beardman is timely. Former players and selectors see him as a potential wildcard, ready to inject fresh energy into the national side.
The third T20 between Australia and India is set to begin at Hobart’s Bellerive Oval on Sunday at 7.15 pm AEDT, where Beardman could make his mark on the international stage.
