Mahli Beardman Poised for Australian Debut in T20 Series Opener Against Pakistan
Perth Scorchers pace sensation Mahli Beardman is set to earn his first senior cap for Australia in Thursday night's Twenty20 international clash against Pakistan in Lahore. The 20-year-old Western Australian tearaway received his call-up just days after helping the Scorchers secure their sixth Big Bash League championship.
Rapid Transition from BBL Glory to International Arena
Beardman's journey to international cricket has been remarkably swift. He only departed for Lahore on Tuesday, following his participation in Sunday's BBL final where Perth defeated the Sydney Sixers to claim the title. This rapid transition underscores the confidence selectors have in the young fast bowler's abilities.
The promising quick will be one of three players making their T20 international debuts for Australia in this match, alongside Sydney Sixers all-rounder Jack Edwards and Brisbane Heat batter Matthew Renshaw. Beardman will also line up alongside his Scorchers teammate Cooper Connolly, while Western Australia's Cam Green – who chose to rest after an intense Ashes summer rather than participate in the BBL – is scheduled to bat at number three in the lineup.
Breakout Season Earns National Recognition
Beardman's selection comes on the back of an impressive breakout BBL campaign where he claimed 13 wickets throughout the tournament. Among his notable scalps was former Australian captain Steve Smith, whom he dismissed during The Qualifier match. This performance clearly caught the attention of national selectors.
While this marks his actual playing debut, it's not Beardman's first involvement with the Australian senior squad. He was previously called up for a One-Day International series against England in 2024 and again for T20 matches against India last year, though he didn't take the field in either series.
Selectors Eye Future Potential
Australia's chairman of selectors George Bailey explained the thinking behind Beardman's inclusion, noting they were looking toward future campaigns. "I like the air speed, I like the skill set he's got, love the fact he's had a good run of games for the Scorchers as well and performed some different roles through those games," Bailey said last week.
The three-match series against Pakistan serves as important preparation ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup, giving emerging talents like Beardman valuable international experience before the global tournament.
Australian Team Lineup for First T20
The Australian XI for Thursday's match features a blend of experience and fresh talent:
- Travis Head (captain)
- Matt Short
- Cam Green
- Matt Renshaw
- Cooper Connolly
- Mitchell Owen
- Josh Philippe
- Jack Edwards
- Xavier Bartlett
- Adam Zampa
- Mahli Beardman
This match represents a significant milestone in Beardman's burgeoning cricket career and offers Australian fans their first glimpse of the Western Australian quick at international level.
