Mitchell Starc Backs 19-Year-Old Mahli Beardman for Final ODIs Against England
Leeds [UK], September 23: Australia’s mainstay pacer Mitchell Starc has expressed confidence in teenage bowler Mahli Beardman, believing the 19-year-old is ready to play if needed in the final three ODIs against England. Beardman steps up as a standby player after left-arm pacer Ben Dwarshuis was ruled out due to a pectoral strain.
Beardman, although not officially part of Australia’s 16-player squad, has been involved with the team and bowled during the inning break of the second ODI. Starc noted that Beardman is familiar with the squad and assured that he is ready for international play.
“He’s actually been around the group a little bit; he’s run drinks when we’ve been over in Perth for Test matches. 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 the last couple of years,” Starc told cricket.com.au.
Starc added, “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-19; there are 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.”
Australia used Sean Abbott in the first ODI but dropped him for the second after he conceded 50 runs in his five-over spell. Young all-rounder Aaron Hardie was used as the third pacer in the first two matches, impressing with figures of 2/26 at Headingley in the second ODI.
With a 2-0 lead, Australia aims to wrap up the series in the third ODI on Tuesday at Riverside Ground, Durham.
Doubts Revealed
Mitchell Starc -: Mitchell Starc is a famous Australian cricketer known for his fast bowling. He plays for the Australian national team.
ODIs -: ODIs stand for One Day Internationals, which are cricket matches that last for one day. Each team gets to bat and bowl for a limited number of overs, usually 50.
Mahli Beardman -: Mahli Beardman is a young cricketer from Australia who is 19 years old. He is being given a chance to play in important matches against England.
Ben Dwarshuis -: Ben Dwarshuis is another Australian cricketer who was supposed to play but got injured. Because of his injury, Mahli Beardman is getting a chance to play.
Riverside Ground, Durham -: Riverside Ground is a cricket stadium located in Durham, England. It is where the third ODI match between Australia and England will be played.