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Mahli Beardman’s rapid return: The Australian quick turning heads against India A

Mahli Beardman delivered his most impressive performance to date, claiming four wickets for just 23 runs as Australia A secured a decisive victory over India A in the opening one-day match in Puducherry. The 21-year-old fast bowler dismantled the visiting top order with a spell of deliveries clocked at 140 kmph, dismissing B.

Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, Prabhsimran Singh, and Suryansh Shedge through a combination of pace and tight length.

Beardman, who previously took 10 wickets at an average of 10.50 during the 2024 Under-19 World Cup, credited his success to a simple strategy of holding a hard length after observing India A's early use of short balls. A product of Western Australia's fast-bowling tradition, the right-hander cites Mitchell Johnson and Dale Steyn as key influences on his aggressive style and steely demeanor at the crease.

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