Who is Mahli Beardman? Australia's wild thing bags debut fifer vs England

Australia's new 'Wild Thing', Mahli Beardman, announced himself with a sensational five-wicket haul on his ODI debut against England in Perth. From learning under Dennis Lillee to idolising Mitchell Johnson, here's all you need to know about the 21-year-old pacer.Beardman ripped apart the England batting order with his fiery spell (Courtesy: AFP)Australia has a new wild thing in their ranks, and his name is Mahli Beardman. The moniker was initially held by Shaun Tait for his ferocious pace and his unique bowling action, and then given to Beardman's West Australian teammate Lance Morris after he was thrust into the Australian Test squad a few years ago.AUS vs ENG 1ST ODI UPDATESNow, the young Beardman lived up to the moniker as he ripped apart England's batting lineup in front of his home crowd in Perth. The 21-year-old picked up five wickets in the first 28 balls of his ODI career, breaking multiple records along the way.WHAT A DEBUT Beardman gets two of England’s biggest stars on debut Catch all the action from England's Tour of Australia LIVE on FanCode #AUSvENG https://t.co/7ehhZIOqoO— FanCode (@FanCode) November 13, 2026Beardman made an immediate impact on his international debut, striking twice in quick succession to remove England captain Harry Brook and former skipper Joe Root. His double blow left the visitors reeling at 55/4 after 14 overs, with the Perth Stadium surface offering plenty of pace and bounce. The Australia Under-19 World Cup star was far from finished, though. He continued to rip through the England batting order, sending Jordan Cox, Sam Curran and Liam Dawson back to the pavilion to cap a memorable five-wicket haul.With this, he became the second Australian male cricketer to pick up a five-wicket haul on his ODI debut after Tony Dodemaide. Beardman also entered the fifth-youngest bowler to take a five-wicket haul on debut. Beardman picked up the wicket of Jofra Archer in the end to finish off with figures off six for 24 in 7.4 overs. This was the best figures by an Australian bowler on debut. YOUNGEST BOWLERS TO TAKE 5-WICKET HAUL ON DEBUT19y 75d - Taskin Ahmed (Bangladesh) vs India, Mirpur, 201419y 285d - Mustafizur Rahman (Bangladesh) vs India, Mirpur, 201520y 46d - Kagiso Rabada (South Africa) vs Bangladesh, Mirpur, 201521y 65d - Charitha Buddhika (Sri Lanka) vs Zimbabwe, Sharjah, 200121y 74d - Mahli Beardman (Australia) vs England, Perth, 2026, Today*WHO IS MAHLI BEARDMAN?Mitchell Johnson's devastating spell during the 2013-14 Ashes left a lasting impression on Beardman, who grew up idolising the former Australian pacer. He also had the opportunity to learn from one of the game's great fast bowlers, Dennis Lillee, who mentored him during his formative years.Beardman's talent was identified early. He was just 10 when he first caught the eye while playing cricket in Cowaramup. A subsequent two-year stay in Dampier proved another important phase in his development, with the Western Australian Cricket Association recognising his potential.His association with Lillee began when he was 15. A significant opportunity followed in 2022, when the youngster was invited to bowl at Australia's senior players as they prepared for their Test series against the West Indies. That same year, he earned his first call-up to the Australia Under-19 side for a series against England.Beardman took his first steps in senior domestic cricket in 2023, making his List A debut for Western Australia against New South Wales. He marked the occasion by dismissing Moises Henriques for his maiden wicket.His progress continued on the international age-group circuit. Beardman was part of Australia's victorious Under-19 World Cup campaign in 2024, where they defeated India in the final. He played a significant role in the title triumph, returning impressive figures of 3/15 in the summit clash.The fast bowler made his Big Bash League debut for Perth Scorchers against Sydney Thunder in 2025. Later that year, he was rewarded with a senior contract from Western Australia. His international journey began in 2026, when he represented Australia in a T20I against Pakistan.In the lead-up to the ongoing home series against England, Beardman also featured for Australia A during their tour of India. He picked up five wickets across two matches in Puducherry, adding another promising chapter to his growing career.Off the field, Beardman comes from a different era of cricketers and looks to be off the grid whenever possible and enjoys fishing and surfing.“He’s a bubbly character. He’s a free spirit,” West Australian bowling coach Tim MacDonald told foxsports.com.au of Beardman.“He’s up-and-about all the time. He lifts the group when he’s there and it’s the energy you bring when you want to bowl fast and win games of cricket for your team, your country, your state.“It’s fun. He’s high energy. He loves nature. He loves the water. He loves his spear fishing. He’s diving, he’s fishing, he’s surfing."“He’s a big surfer. He grew up down in that Margaret River region and then spent some time up in the Pilbara."“He loves country, loves the land and any chance he gets, he’s either out on a boat, in a wetsuit diving and surfing or he’s out camping."“We don’t see a lot of the younger kids these days doing that.”With Beardman bursting on to the scene, Australia will be hoping they have unearthed a gem that can come in and replace the ageing pace battery in the coming years.- Ends