After record ODI debut, Mahli Beardman gives Australia a glimpse into Ashes future as a bowler

A record-breaking debut

He dismissed Harry Brook, Joe Root, Jordan Cox, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson and Jofra Archer with a disciplined line and length. Across 7.4 overs, he averaged 86.5 mph and reached a top speed of 90.6mph, both personal records.

Beardman also moved the ball in both directions. His first ODI wicket came early in his second over, when he found Brook’s outside edge.

A young career so far

The debut was Beardman’s 12th professional 50-over match. He has also played 14 T20s, while his first-class debut is still awaited. He was player of the match in the 2024 Under-19 World Cup final. Two years ago, with one professional match behind him, he toured England with Australia’s white-ball teams after impressing at that tournament.

Beardman has worked with Australian fast-bowling great Dennis Lillee since his teenage years. Watching Mitchell Johnson dominate England in the 2013-14 Ashes helped inspire him to take up cricket.

Injuries and the path ahead

Beardman suffered two back stress injuries in 2025, a familiar concern for young fast bowlers. He said he wondered whether he would return able to bowl as before and retain his pace, but added that he had not lost his love for the game.

Australia has accelerated the rise of young fast bowlers before; Glenn McGrath played eight first-class matches before his Test debut. Beardman’s injuries, however, mean his immediate prospects are in white-ball cricket.

Australia’s senior fast-bowling group includes Mitchell Starc, 37, Josh Hazlewood, 35, and Pat Cummins, 33. Scott Boland, their current back-up, turns 38 in April, leaving Beardman among the next generation of quicks under consideration.

Praise from teammates and experts

Captain Mitchell Marsh praised Beardman’s easygoing nature and appetite for learning about fast bowling. Former Australia all-rounder Tom Moody said Beardman bowled with energy, swing and control. Moody also compared Beardman’s movement to Cummins, describing how the ball can angle into right-handers before moving away late. After Australia’s latest win over England in Perth, Moody said the performance showed what the next generation could look like.