Australia's newest fast-bowling sensation tipped for big things from a young age
From an enthusiastic kid to a teenage tearaway, Mahli Beardman's talents were spotted early as a junior cricketer in regional WA.
Australia's newest fast-bowling sensation, Mahli Beardman, was tipped for big things from a young age. The 21-year-old played his initial junior and representative cricket for Dampier in WA's Pilbara. Cricketers hope his performance against England encourages the next generation of country cricketers. While Beardman's record-breaking 6/24 against England stunned the visitors, those who witnessed his development as a junior say it was no surprise.
West Pilbara Cricket Association secretary Christy Reed hailed Beardman as a natural talent from a young age, noting his fast bowling and love for the sport. Beardman was initially spotted by scouts at a talent clinic in Karratha in 2017 at the age of 12. He later moved to Perth to join WA Premier Cricket Club Melville. Beardman's success is hoped to inspire other talented junior cricketers across the Pilbara.
West Australian Cricket country area manager Andrew Hayes expressed pride in Beardman's achievement. Cowaramup Cricket Club, Beardman's hometown club, is eager to embrace him as a favourite son despite competing claims from nearby towns. Beardman's journey began at a young age, with his coach Bob Biddulph coaching him when he was just six years old.
Biddulph believes that regional cricketers' success at the international level shows that with passion and hard work, the sky is the limit.
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