Source :- PERTH NOW NEWS
The Wild Thing has been grounded again, but Australia captain Mitch Marsh can’t wait to unleash the Smiling Assassin in Friday’s ODI series opener against England in Perth.
Paceman Mahli Beardman will make his ODI debut when he lines up against England at Optus Stadium.
With pace stars Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood rested for the three-match ODI series, Beardman has the perfect chance to make a good impression a year out from the World Cup in Africa.
The 21-year-old is already being touted as a future superstar, and Marsh was glowing in his praise of his WA teammate.
“He’s an amazing talent. He’s a ripping young kid,” Marsh said.
“For a young kid, he really understands his game. He loves to bowl fast.
“He’s always on record saying that all he wants to do is bowl fast, and that’s an attitude that you can’t always teach.
“And the times that I have played with him in big moments, he’s always got a smile on his face, and I’m looking forward to seeing him out there.”
The news of Beardman’s ODI debut came just days after Lance Morris was taken to hospital for a cut hand.
Morris, who missed all of last season after undergoing back surgery, ended 20 months of frustration last Saturday when he snared 3-29 for WA in England’s practice match at the WACA Ground.
Just hours later, Morris cut his non-bowling left hand when he slipped and fell on glass at his own engagement party at his parents’ house.
Morris will miss about four weeks of action after undergoing surgery on the cut, further delaying his hopes of breaking back into the Australian team.
The 28-year-old played three ODIs for Australia in 2024, and the man dubbed the “Wild Thing” for his extreme pace has been on the cusp of making his Test debut several times.
If all goes well for Morris, he will push for selection for next year’s ODI World Cup in Africa, and perhaps belatedly earn a baggy green.
“Lance at his best is in the frame for all cricket,” Marsh said.
“He’s got an amazing skill set. He’s still young. There’s so much time for him to make his mark on Australian cricket, and I’m sure he will in the future.
“An injury at a party is bad luck, but not something that we all haven’t done before. Lance is a responsible fella.”
