Mahli Beardman, the 21-year-old Western Australian quick bowler, is preparing for a significant return to competitive cricket after spending months rehabilitating from a lower back stress fracture. The emerging pace prospect has been cleared to resume playing and is eyeing opportunities in the upcoming matches against England, starting with a one-day fixture at the WACA on Saturday, November 8, 2026, in front of approximately 4500 spectators.
Beardman’s international career began promisingly in January 2026 when he made his T20I debut for Australia in Lahore against Pakistan. During that match, he took two wickets for 33 runs across four overs, dismissing Shadab Khan and Shaheen Shah Afridi in successive deliveries during the death phase. However, a recurrence of a stress fracture in his lower back ended his season prematurely and forced him into an extended rehabilitation period.
“The selection is well above my head, so if that opportunity arrives, I’ll try and grab it with both hands. I feel like I’m ready to go out and play some good cricket again,” Beardman said as quoted by Cricinfo.
The bowler’s path back to fitness has been deliberate and methodical. After the injury, Beardman spent four or five months in the gym building his body strength to ensure his frame could withstand the demands of fast bowling at the highest level. Despite being contracted to Western Australia for the past three seasons, he remains focused on proving his fitness before considering a return to red-ball cricket, where he has yet to make his Sheffield Shield debut.
Reflecting on the injury’s timing and impact, Beardman acknowledged the frustration of missing cricket during a period when his form was strong.
“The 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’s understanding my body as I’m growing and developing,” Beardman said.
His recent performances have demonstrated his readiness for international cricket. During Australia A’s tour, Beardman took 4 wickets for 23 runs in a 50-over match against India A, claiming three of those scalps from his opening 12 deliveries. His pace regularly reaches the mid-140 kph range, and he possesses the ability to swing the new ball and deliver a sharp bouncer.
Beardman’s immediate focus is on the England series, where he hopes to make his ODI debut in front of home supporters when Australia play England at Optus Stadium on November 13, 2026. The Western Australia match against England provides an ideal platform to showcase his skills and press his case for selection.
“I think it’s just an awesome hit out. I think it’s a great chance to really get some insight into their top order and how they play. It’s an opportunity to get a look at them earlier than the rest of the squad and pass some information on,” Beardman said.
“It’s [red-ball cricket] still at the forefront of my mind. It’s just prioritising getting back, playing cricket first, proving my fitness and that my body can handle it,” he added.
Beardman’s development has been guided by legendary fast bowler Dennis Lillee, who has mentored him throughout his career. The young quick demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure, notably roughing up and out-duelling Steven Smith during the Big Bash League finals earlier this year. With his recovery complete and his body strengthened, Beardman was positioned to make a significant impact in the coming matches against England.
