Australian News Today

Starc says Beardman ready to answer any international call

Starc says Beardman ready to answer any international call

West Aussie quick Mahli Beardman could become one of the handful of teenage Australian ODI debutants if named to face England this week, but fast-bowling veteran Mitchell Starc says the 19-year-old will be ready.

Beardman has enjoyed a dizzying month, having bolted into the ODI squad for their limited-overs UK tour after a string of injuries to Australia’s fast bowling stocks.

And with left-arm New South Welshman Ben Dwarshuis adding his side to the casualty ward with a strain suffered in his first outing, Beardman is on the cusp of earning a dream debut, and it could come at the home of cricket if Australia wrap-up series victory in the third ODI on Tuesday.

“He’s actually been around the group a little bit; he’s run drinks when we’ve been over in Perth for Test matches,” Starc told cricket.com.au.

“Obviously, he’s well known to the (WA) guys, but to some of us older guys who have been to Perth a few times, he’s been around for the last couple of years.

“He’s full of energy; we’ve seen a little bit of him bowling and he’s out there today again. He’s had a great under-19s, there’s some really talented bowlers there in his group of 19s.

“If he gets an opportunity, I’m sure he’s ready to go. He’s champing at a bit being another WACA young boy around this group.”

Beardman bowled during the innings break in Leeds as Starc produced a superb 3-50 in his first match since June’s T20 World Cup.