While Mahli Beardman’s record-setting demolition of England may have stunned the visitors, those who watched his development as a junior say it’s no surprise.
On a day when fresh hostilities in the Sandpaper scandal dominated the headlines, the West Australian fast bowler’s 6/24 skittled the visitors and gave Australian cricket a much-needed bit of good news.
But for West Pilbara Cricket Association secretary Christy Reed, Beardman’s talent was always obvious.
Beardman (right) receives a representative cap while playing junior cricket in WA’s Pilbara. (Supplied: Christy Reed)
While hailing from Cowaramup in WA’s South West, the 21-year-old played his initial junior and representative cricket for Dampier in WA’s Pilbara.
Initially spotted by scouts at a talent clinic in Karratha in 2017 as a 12-year-old, Beardman progressed quickly through the junior representative ranks, eventually landing at WA Premier Cricket Club Melville when he moved to Perth.
Ms Reed said he made an impression early.
“He was a tiny little kid, but his bowling was absolutely natural talent,” she said.
Beardman (left) was identified early as a talented young bowler. (Supplied: Andrew Hayes)
“So fast for his size, and he absolutely loved his cricket.
“He would even go down to the senior team, Dampier Taverners, training and bully them in the nets.“
She hoped Beardman’s success would show other talented junior cricketers across the Pilbara what could be achieved.
“For years it was really hard for kids to have a pathway through to that upper level, but I imagine this would get more kids interested in the sport,” Ms Reed said.
“I couldn’t be happier for him, his family and for Cricket Australia.”
WA Cricket country area manager Andrew Hayes was working in the Pilbara around the same time Beardman and fellow Dampier quick Josh Vernon were making their way through the system.
“To take six wickets against our old foe on debut is an incredible achievement, and we couldn’t be prouder,” he said.
Mahli Beardman (back row, second from right) representing the West Pilbara at Junior Country Week. (Supplied: Christy Reed)
Hometown pride
The pride was echoed in Cowaramup, who are keen to embrace Beardman as a favourite son despite competing claims from nearby Dunsborough and Margaret River.
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Cowaramup Cricket Club stalwart and secretary Bob Biddulph coached a six-year-old Beardman before his family moved north.
“Unfortunately, he was only there for one year … but it was the start of his cricket journey, so we’re very proud of him,” he said.
“We’re claiming it down at Cowaramup that’s for sure; I think everyone associated with the cricket club is very proud of that.”
Mahli Beardman walks off Perth Stadium after taking 6/24 on debut for Australia in ODI cricket. (ABC News: Sam Tomlin)
Mr Biddulph echoed the importance of seeing regional cricketers performing well at international level.
“It just goes to show that it doesn’t matter where you are; if you start off and you enjoy the game and stick at it and keep practising, the sky is the limit,” he said.
“We’ve got quite a few junior teams this year, so for them to actually see one of their own making it on the big stage is quite exciting.”
Game two of the three-match ODI series is at Adelaide Oval on Sunday.
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