Photo Credit: Perth Scorchers
Perth Scorchers have locked in one of Australia’s most exciting young quicks, securing talented right-armer Mahli Beardman until at least the end of the KFC BBL|15 season.
Perth Scorchers have locked in one of Australia’s most exciting young quicks, securing talented right-armer Mahli Beardman until at least the end of the KFC BBL|15 season.
The two-year deal is Beardman’s first in the BBL and comes the season after he joined WA on a rookie contract.
Beardman, 18, is already among the Scorchers’ fastest bowlers, capable of clocking speeds exceeding 140km/h.
He showed encouraging signs on WA and One-Day Cup debut against NSW at Cricket Central in November, claiming the important scalp of Blues captain Moises Henriques.
Three months later, Beardman bowled Australia to victory in the Under 19 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Final by taking 3-15 in a Player of the Match performance, removing three of host nation South Africa’s top four batters.
Regarded highly for his ability to generate pace, the Dunsborough-born firebrand swings the new ball both ways and has good control of line and length.
These traits were frequently showcased in 10 Youth Internationals (one Test, nine ODIs), and as WA’s leading wicket-taker during the 2023-24 Cricket Australia Male Under 19 National Championships.
Beardman finished last season as a central member of Melville’s First Grade Premier Cricket team, having also played four-day cricket for WA’s Second XI.
Reflecting on his first Perth Scorchers contract, Beardman said:
“I’m still pinching myself a bit, to be honest. It’s an awesome opportunity.
“I grew up watching the Scorchers both at the WACA Ground and Optus Stadium. The atmosphere of 50,000 people and the energy at Optus is something so special and to potentially have the opportunity to be immersed in that is so exciting.
“We’ve obviously got an incredible bowling line-up. As a young player, you just want to soak up the whole experience and learn as much as you can, so I’ll definitely be picking the brains of our senior guys and the coaches to improve my craft.
“The idea of testing myself against some of the country’s best players is also very exciting. I took heaps away from my WA debut last year and have confidence I’ll be ready to play my role for the side when a chance comes up.”
Perth Scorchers playing list for BBL|14:
Ashton Turner ©
Ashton Agar
Mahli Beardman
Jason Behrendorff
Cooper Connolly
Sam Fanning
Aaron Hardie
Nick Hobson
Josh Inglis
Matthew Kelly
Mitch Marsh
Lance Morris
Jhye Richardson
