Fast bowler Mahli Beardman was called up to the Australia squad as cover for the upcoming five-match One-Day International (ODI) series against England. Beardman, who bowled the Aussies to the Under-19 World Cup title earlier this year, says he was not expecting the call-up, and now that he has got it, it feels surreal.

“It’s pretty surreal, just so unexpected,” Beardman said from Perth airport ahead of his departure to the UK.

“I started the morning off with a little message from Tony [Dodemaide, selector]; I didn’t think it was real to be honest, I thought it might have been one of the boys pranking me.

“But I gave him a call back and got talking and he said come over to England to train and be around the squad.”

Beardman, who was the Player of the Match in the Under-19 World Cup final against India, has played just one List A game so far. He is yet to make his first-class debut, but could play for the senior Australian side, if their injury woes continue.

Australia have already lost Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Riley Meredith and Spencer Johnson to injury, while Josh Hazlewood missed the T20 International (T20I) series against Scotland with a calf strain. Pat Cummins, on the other hand, has been rested for the entire UK tour as he gears up for a gruelling summer.

Ben Dwarshuis joined the Australian side ahead of the washed-out third T20I against England, while Cooper Connolly, who made his debut earlier on this tour, will stay for the ODIs against England.

Beardman has often been spotted on the bench during Test matches in Perth as part of Cricket Australia’s (CA) Under-19 induction program. He has the ability to clock 140 KMPH on a regular basis, making the 19-year-old a threatening commodity for the opposition.

The first of five ODIs against England will begin on September 19 (Thursday) at Trent Bridge.

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