![Mahli Beardman impresses on debut [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1794547423012_MahliBeardman.jpg?type=hq)
Mahli Beardman impresses on debut [Source: AFP]
Mahli Beardman made an early impression in ODI cricket after being handed his debut cap against England in the series opener on Friday afternoon. The bowler bulldozed the English batting lineup and gave the Aussies a head start, also dismissing captain Harry Brook and senior pro Joe Root.
Australia went into the Perth ODI without their experienced pace battery, giving them time to prepare for the Test summer. Watching who stepped up in their absence was one thing, and Beardman's immediate impact certainly left a mark.
Who is Mahli Beardman?
Mahli Beardman recently turned 21 in August and hails from Dunsborough, Western Australia. The right-arm quick spent his developmental years on the lively wickets of the W.A.C.A., under the wings of legendary Australian pacer Dennis Lillee.
Interestingly, Lillee, who famously mentored Mitchell Johnson, broke his rule of not taking up a student before they are 16 for Beardman. Lillee started coaching him at 15, following Rod Duggan’s recommendation.
Having made a name for himself in age-group cricket, the 2005-born bowler made his List A debut for Western Australia at 18, even before the U19 World Cup. In Australia's U19 World Cup 2024 triumph, Beardman took 10 wickets in 5 innings, conceding just 2.77 runs per over.
The pacer was quickly roped in by the Perth Scorchers in the BBL 2024/25. Since then, in 13 appearances, Beardman has picked 16 wickets at a strike rate of just over 15 and, more importantly, at an economy rate of just over 8.
After being an unused squad player in October 2025 vs India, Beardman picked 2/33 (4) on his debut vs Pakistan in January 2026, using pace clocking over 140 consistently. More recently, the Western Australian quick toured India for the Australia A series, picking 5 wickets, including a 4/23 to win the series and earn his ODI debut.
Dream ODI debut for Beardman
Beardman was used as the first change bowler after Xavier Bartlett and Spencer Johnson, as Australia bowled first on the afternoon. He didn't take long to bag the prized wickets of captain Harry Brook and Joe Root, getting them to nick balls outside off.
He backed it up with a double-wicket over and subsequently became only the second Aussie bowler to pick a five-fer on debut. Thanks to his burst of 5/18 (6) in the first spell, England were reduced to 60/7 in just 17.4 overs. His braced leg and pace were a couple of talking points from the maiden ODI spell.
