Big Bash League:<\/b> Young fast bowler Mahli Beardman said if he potentially gets an ODI debut against England in the upcoming white-ball series, he will grab the chance with both hands. Beardman is in the running for his first ODI cap in the series opener at Optus Stadium on November 13, in front of his home crowd.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe selection is well above my head, so if that opportunity arrives, I\u2019ll try and grab it with both hands. I feel like I\u2019m ready to go out and play some good cricket again,\u201d Beardman told reporters on Thursday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He gets an early chance to stake his claim on Saturday, when Western Australia take on England in a one-day warm-up at the WACA. \u201cI think it\u2019s just an awesome hit out. I think it\u2019s a great chance to really get some insight into their top order and how they play. It\u2019s an opportunity to get a look at them earlier than the rest of the squad and pass some information on,\u201d added Beardman.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The youngster has been around Australia\u2019s squads for two years. His most memorable outing so far came in last season\u2019s Big Bash League (BBL) finals, when he roughed up Steven Smith and came out on top in a gripping battle between generations.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
His only international game so far came in a T20I in Pakistan earlier this year. He removed Shadab Khan and Shaheen Shah Afridi off successive balls at the death and finished with 2-33 from four overs. Shortly afterwards, a stress fracture in his lower back flared up again and brought an early end to his season.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe timing of it was pretty rough. I feel like I was feeling quite nice at the back of the Big Bash. It was just one of those things... I think it\u2019s understanding my body as I\u2019m growing and developing. It was extremely frustrating, but I\u2019m super fortunate to be able to come back. Spent a good four or five months in the gym and built my body up,\u201d said Beardman.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He has since shown what he can do by tearing through a strong India A batting line-up on Australia A\u2019s recent tour. \u201cI think the goal is as high as I can go. \u201cI don\u2019t think there\u2019s a number. I still feel like I\u2019ve got a decent way to go,\u201d said Beardman.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He has also been working on the defensive side of his game, a skill he believes is essential in white-ball cricket. \u201cI think there are times where you\u2019re going to be ahead of the curve and there\u2019s going to be times where you\u2019re behind. So I think in T20 cricket or white-ball cricket, especially, that\u2019s something that you have to be ready for. That\u2019s definitely something that we\u2019ve worked on, and I feel like we\u2019re ready for.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
While some have started talking up his Test cricket prospects, Beardman is taking a more measured view. \u201cIt can be tough not to see things or read into stuff. Whether that\u2019s for WA or Australia, whatever it is, I think it\u2019s just getting through each game and trying to build momentum off that.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt\u2019s (red-ball cricket) still at the forefront of my mind. It\u2019s just prioritising getting back, playing cricket first, proving my fitness and that my body can handle it. It\u2019s a tough one to plan (Shield cricket).<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
While some have started talking up his Test cricket prospects, Beardman is taking a more measured view. \u201cIt can be tough not to see things or read into stuff. Whether that\u2019s for WA or Australia, whatever it is, I think it\u2019s just getting through each game and trying to build momentum off that.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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