Australia’s search for the next generation of fast-bowling talent may have found a promising answer in 21-year-old Mahli Beardman, who delivered a record-breaking performance against England on his one-day international debut in Perth.
The young Western Australian claimed six wickets for 24 runs, recording the best bowling figures by an Australian making his ODI debut. His performance helped Australia secure a dominant victory over England.
Despite the achievement, Beardman’s immediate plans were far removed from celebrating his remarkable sporting milestone.
“I would love to live my life like him – pretty carefree, loves the ocean and loves to learn about fast bowling,” Australian captain Mitchell Marsh said, describing his admiration for the young bowler.
Beardman’s Record-Breaking Performance Stuns England
Beardman made an immediate impact in his first ODI appearance, which also marked his first international match for Australia on home soil.
He bowled 7.4 overs at an average speed of 86.5mph, making it his fastest recorded match. His quickest delivery reached 90.6mph, another personal record.
However, his performance was not defined by speed alone. His accuracy, movement and ability to maintain control made it difficult for England’s batters to score freely.
The 21-year-old moved the ball in both directions, eventually finding Harry Brook’s outside edge early in his second over to claim his first international wicket.
He subsequently dismissed Joe Root, who edged a drive, and Jordan Cox, who tentatively nicked the ball.
Beardman also demonstrated his ability to unsettle batters with a bouncer that Sam Curran hooked towards fine leg.
Former Australian all-rounder Tom Moody praised the debutant’s performance during BBC Test Match Special, highlighting his pace, movement and control.
“He bowled lively, got it to swing both ways, and his control was immaculate,” Moody said.
Young Australian Fast Bowler Overcomes Back Injuries
The impressive debut came after a difficult period in Beardman’s development, including two stress-related back injuries in 2025.
The injuries raised questions about whether he would regain his previous bowling speed and effectiveness.
His most recent setback came after his only previous appearance for Australia, a T20 international against Pakistan in January, where he recorded figures of two wickets for 33 runs.
Before that international appearance, Beardman had strengthened his reputation by dismissing and troubling Australian batting great Steve Smith during a Big Bash League play-off match.
Reflecting on the uncertainty surrounding his recovery, Beardman admitted that he had questioned whether he would return to his previous level.
“There is always doubt,” he said after Friday’s performance.
“I don’t think I ever lost my love for the game, it was more ‘Will I come back and be able to bowl the same and will the air speed be there?'”
Following a carefully managed return to competitive cricket, his performance in Perth provided a convincing answer.
Mitchell Johnson and Dennis Lillee Influenced His Cricket Journey
Beardman’s interest in fast bowling developed after watching former Australia paceman Mitchell Johnson dismantle England during the 2013-14 Ashes series.
The performance inspired him to pursue cricket, while another Australian fast-bowling legend, Dennis Lillee, has worked with him since his teenage years.
His progress attracted attention following an impressive Under-19 World Cup campaign.
In 2024, when he had only one professional appearance to his name, Beardman travelled to England with Australia’s white-ball teams.
Although he did not feature in a match, he bowled during intervals, attracting attention with his pace and appearance as he continued developing his skills.
His performances during that period offered an early indication of his potential to become an important part of Australia’s future bowling attack.
Experts Predict a Promising International Career
Former England captain Michael Vaughan also praised Beardman’s attitude and presence on the field.
Vaughan said the young bowler had demonstrated qualities that made him stand out, particularly his relaxed approach to the game.
“I’ve seen him in the Big Bash and he just has that persona,” Vaughan said.
“Sometimes you look at sportspeople and say ‘yes, they have got it’.”
He added that Beardman appeared comfortable playing at the highest level, comparing his relaxed manner to someone representing his local club.
“If he stays fit, he has an incredible career ahead of him,” Vaughan said.
Former England fast bowler Steven Finn also highlighted the technical qualities that distinguish Beardman from Australia’s established pace bowlers.
Speaking on TNT Sports, Finn noted that the youngster bowls from a slightly wider position on the crease and can generate movement similar to that of Pat Cummins.
He explained that Beardman angles the ball towards right-handed batters before generating late movement away from them, forcing them to play at deliveries that can produce edges.
Australia’s Fast-Bowling Future Comes Into Focus
Beardman’s emergence comes as Australia continues to consider its long-term fast-bowling options.
The country’s established pace attack of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc has been central to its success in international cricket, but questions about succession have increasingly become part of the conversation.
Starc is 37, Hazlewood is 35 and Cummins is 33, while their experienced back-up, Scott Boland, will turn 38 in April.
The discussion surrounding Australia’s future bowling options has also intensified following Usman Khawaja’s book, which brought Cummins, Hazlewood and Starc into the wider conversation about the sandpaper controversy.
Beardman’s performance against England has strengthened his position among the emerging bowlers being considered for Australia’s future teams.
However, his history of back injuries means his immediate opportunities are expected to remain focused on white-ball cricket.
Earlier this year, he said there was no confirmed timeline for making his first-class debut for Western Australia.
He explained that the decision would depend on how his body responded to his recovery and that his progress would be assessed one match at a time.
Harry Hoekstra and Lance Morris Also Compete for Places
Beardman is not the only young Australian fast bowler attracting attention as the country looks towards its next generation.
Twenty-year-old left-arm pacer Harry Hoekstra has taken 20 wickets across his last three matches during his debut domestic season.
Lance Morris, who previously earned the nickname “The Wild Thing”, has also attracted interest, including from England coach Brendon McCullum, who watched him last week.
Moody highlighted the importance of seeing emerging Australian bowlers make an impression at the international level.
“We’ve been crying out to see what the next generation looks like. Ladies and gentlemen, this is what it looks like,” he said.
Beardman Looks Beyond His Record-Breaking Debut
Despite becoming the first Australian to record six wickets for 24 runs on his ODI debut, Beardman appeared more interested in returning to his usual lifestyle.
The 21-year-old is an enthusiastic surfer who enjoys spending time around the ocean and learning more about fast bowling.
His relaxed attitude has also been noticed by teammates, with Marsh describing him as someone who enjoys life without appearing overwhelmed by expectations.
Following his record-breaking performance in Perth, Beardman has moved closer to becoming a significant option in Australia’s fast-bowling plans, although his long-term progress will depend partly on maintaining his fitness.
