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Will Grab The Chance With Both Hands, Says Beardman On Potential ODI Debut Against England

Big Bash League: Young fast bowler Mahli Beardman said if he potentially gets an ODI debut against England in the upcoming white-ball series, he will grab the chance with both hands. Beardman is in the running for his first ODI cap in the series opener at Optus Stadium on November 13, in front of his home crowd. The selection is well above my head, so if that opportunity arrives, Ill try and grab it with both hands. I feel like Im ready to go out and play some good cricket again, Beardman told reporters on Thursday. He gets an early chance to stake his claim on Saturday, when Western Australia take on England in a one-day warm-up at the WACA. I think its just an awesome hit out. I think its a great chance to really get some insight into their top order and how they play. Its an opportunity to get a look at them earlier than the rest of the squad and pass some information on, added Beardman. The youngster has been around Australias squads for two years. His most memorable outing so far came in last seasons Big Bash League (BBL) finals, when he roughed up Steven Smith and came out on top in a gripping battle between generations. His only international game so far came in a T20I in Pakistan earlier this year. He removed Shadab Khan and Shaheen Shah Afridi off successive balls at the death and finished with 2-33 from four overs. Shortly afterwards, a stress fracture in his lower back flared up again and brought an early end to his season. The timing of it was pretty rough. I feel like I was feeling quite nice at the back of the Big Bash. It was just one of those things... I think its understanding my body as Im growing and developing. It was extremely frustrating, but Im super fortunate to be able to come back. Spent a good four or five months in the gym and built my body up, said Beardman. He has since shown what he can do by tearing through a strong India A batting line-up on Australia As recent tour. I think the goal is as high as I can go. I dont think theres a number. I still feel like Ive got a decent way to go, said Beardman. He has also been working on the defensive side of his game, a skill he believes is essential in white-ball cricket. I think there are times where youre going to be ahead of the curve and theres going to be times where youre behind. So I think in T20 cricket or white-ball cricket, especially, thats something that you have to be ready for. Thats definitely something that weve worked on, and I feel like were ready for. While some have started talking up his Test cricket prospects, Beardman is taking a more measured view. It can be tough not to see things or read into stuff. Whether thats for WA or Australia, whatever it is, I think its just getting through each game and trying to build momentum off that. Its (red-ball cricket) still at the forefront of my mind. Its just prioritising getting back, playing cricket first, proving my fitness and that my body can handle it. Its a tough one to plan (Shield cricket). While some have started talking up his Test cricket prospects, Beardman is taking a more measured view. It can be tough not to see things or read into stuff. Whether thats for WA or Australia, whatever it is, I think its just getting through each game and trying to build momentum off that. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS