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Surfing speedster Beardman gives a glimpse of Ashes future

Surfing speedster Beardman gives a glimpse of Ashes future

Mahli Beardman gives England a glimpse into a possible Ashes future as he decimates their batting in Perth.

How would you celebrate after posting record bowling figures on a debut aged just 21?

If you're Mahli Beardman, now the most exciting fast bowler in Australian cricket, it's easy: "Try and get down to the beach!"

In his maiden one-day international, which was also his first match for Australia on home soil, Beardman took 6-24 - the best figures by an Australian on a one-day debut.

In doing so, the man who loves surfing swept aside England and set up a crushing victory in Perth.

"I would love to live my life like him - pretty carefree, loves the ocean and loves to learn about fast bowling," beamed proud captain and fellow Western Australian Mitchell Marsh.

With the nonchalance of youth and a flash of the future, Beardman was the perfect antidote during this moment of crisis for Australia.

To him, sandpaper is merely used to clean up his surfboard.

However, he has been made to wait for this moment and has had his troubles.

Two years ago, and with only one professional match to his name, he toured England with Australia's white-ball teams after an impressive Under-19 World Cup.

He did not play but bowling spells during intervals - his blond hair billowing behind him - felt like a glimpse into Australia and England's Ashes future.

In brief

How would you celebrate after posting record bowling figures on a debut aged just 21? "I would love to live my life like him - pretty carefree, loves the ocean and loves to learn about fast bowling," beamed proud captain and fellow Western Australian Mitchell Marsh. He did not play but bowling spells during intervals - his blond hair billowing behind him - felt like a glimpse into Australia and England's Ashes future.

This is the opening of the story, shared with credit to BBC Sport. The rest of the report — with every detail — continues on the publisher’s website.

Continue reading at BBC Sport ↗

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