Mahli Beardman is the latest entrant in the Aussie pace attack as they continue to juggle their bowling resources.
Mahli Beardman, the star of Australia’s recent U19 World Cup triumph is the new addition in the Australian side. He has been drafted into the side as cover ahead of the 5-match ODI series against England.
Beardman, 19 years old and 6ft 2in, was a standout performer in the Under-19 World Cup earlier this year. His best performance was in the final where he dismantled India’s top order with figures of 3 for 15.
The call-up to Beardman coincides with a spate of injuries among fast bowlers in Australia. During the opening Twenty20 International match against England, Xavier Bartlett suffered a side strain. After his injuries from the Hundred got worse, Nathan Ellis had to be pulled from the tour’s Scotland leg.
Spencer Johnson was eliminated prior to the start of the tour. Following the first Twenty20 International in Scotland, Riley Meredith was sidelined due to illness.
Despite being a precocious talent, Beardman has only a solitary list A appearance. He is one of the three young pacers who have made a name for themselves. Callum Vidler and Tom Straker are the other two.
Andrew McDonald, Australia’s head coach, said that his team would be closely monitoring the fitness of his “big three” bowlers.
During the last two summers in Perth, Beardman and Connolly, who were in the T20I squad, have been on the Australian bench. Connolly and Ben Dwarshuis, who has been brought on as cover for the duration of the tour, will stay in the UK with the ODI team.
Glenn Maxwell, Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, and Starc will all be added to Australia’s ODI team.