Mahli Beardman Takes 6-24 on Debut as Australia Rout England
Mahli Beardman took six wickets for 24 runs on his one-day international debut in Perth on November 13, and England never recovered. Australia won the
Mahli Beardman took six wickets for 24 runs on his one-day international debut in Perth on November 13, and England never recovered. Australia won the first ODI by seven wickets.
The 21-year-old fast bowler dismissed England for just 131. His first two international wickets were Harry Brook and Joe Root.
It was a startling start to a senior career. Beardman was named player of the match in the Under-19 World Cup final two years ago and has been tipped for big things since.
From a bin beside a house to Perth
Beardman's route to the top began with a chance sighting. At 14 or 15 he was bowling at a bin down the side of a house when a family friend noticed his pace.
That friend knew Dennis Lillee, one of the most revered fast bowlers in Australian history, and made contact. Lillee agreed to work with the teenager and became his mentor.
After the match Beardman thanked Lillee and fellow Australian great Mitchell Johnson for helping him get this far.
"DK has been amazing for me. He's one of the greats of the game," Beardman said after the win.
England, the touring side, were bowled out cheaply and were beaten by seven wickets in the opening match of the series.
