Rising Star: 19-year-old Pacer who Shook India in U-19 World Cup Final and Secured Spot in List-A Team

New Delhi: Mahli Beardman, the talented pacer who made headlines with his impressive performance in the U-19 World Cup final against India earlier this year, has now been selected as one of the travelling reserves in Cricket Australia's ODI squad for the upcoming series against England. The 19-year-old, who caught everyone's attention with his figures of 3/15 in the final and was awarded the Player of the Match, has finally realized his dream of representing his country at the highest level. Beardman's inclusion in the squad is a testament to his hard work and determination, and he will be looking to make the most of this opportunity to showcase his skills on the international stage. The five-match series will kick off at Trent Bridge on September 19, and all eyes will be on Beardman to see if he can continue his impressive form against a strong England team.

Beardman’s call-up comes in after a series of injuries in the Australian fast-bowling line-up. While Xavier Bartlett sustained a side strain during the first T20I against England, Nathan Ellis was ruled out of the Scotland T20I series after he failed to recover in time from an injury sustained in the Hundred.

To make matters worse, Spencer Johnson and Riley Meredith were both suffering from side issues. Although Josh Hazlewood played in the first T20I against England, his was pulled out of the second game following a minor calf strain. Interestingly, Beardman comes in after playing just one List A match in his career before being picked by Perth Scorchers in this year’s Big Bash League. However, he did not play a single game in BBL.

Australia ODI squad vs England: Mitchell Marsh (capt), Sean Abbott, Alex Carey (wk), Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Cameron Green, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Josh Inglis (wk), Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Short, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa | Traveling reserve: Mahli Beardman