Beardman Suffers Back Injury Setback After International Debut

Australian fast-bowling prospect Mahli Beardman has suffered a recurrence of a stress fracture in his lower back, dealing a major blow to his rapidly rising career just a week after his international debut.

The 20-year-old made his T20I debut against Pakistan in Lahore on January 29, taking 2 for 33 from four overs in Australia’s 22-run loss. His selection came on the back of a breakout Big Bash League campaign with the Perth Scorchers. However, Beardman was withdrawn from the second match of the series after experiencing back soreness during the warm-up and did not feature in the final game.

Scans conducted after his return to Perth last week confirmed another stress fracture in his lower back. The injury is understood to be a recurrence of the same issue that delayed the start of his domestic season last year. Beardman had also managed osteitis pubis symptoms in his groins during the pre-season, though he remained fully fit throughout the BBL.

The setback comes after an impressive summer for Beardman, highlighted by the dismissal of Steven Smith during a match-winning spell in the BBL qualifier and figures of 2 for 29 in the final, helping the Scorchers secure the title.

Highly regarded by national selectors, Beardman starred in Australia’s 2024 Under-19 World Cup triumph and later toured the UK with the senior white-ball squad despite having played just one List A match. He was also included in Australia’s T20I squad for the home series against India in November 2025. Prior to his Pakistan call-up, there had been hopes he could make his first-class debut for Western Australia later this domestic season.

Beardman will now undergo an extended and cautious rehabilitation period, likely ruling him out of potential opportunities including a first-class debut and selection for upcoming white-ball tours to Pakistan and Bangladesh following the IPL in June.

His injury adds to a growing list of Australian fast bowlers dealing with lumbar stress fractures. Test and ODI captain Pat Cummins has been ruled out of the T20 World Cup, while Beardman’s Western Australia and Scorchers teammate Lance Morris is recovering from back surgery. Cameron Green previously underwent the same procedure, and Under-19 World Cup teammate Callum Vidler has missed the entire season with a stress fracture. White-ball bowler Spencer Johnson has also been sidelined all season due to a back injury suffered during last year’s IPL.

Australia’s injury concerns extend beyond back issues, with Josh Hazlewood ruled out of the T20 World Cup following hamstring and Achilles problems. Meanwhile, recent Test debutant Brendan Doggett limped off during South Australia’s Sheffield Shield match against New South Wales with a hamstring injury and left the ground on crutches, adding further depth challenges to Australia’s fast-bowling stocks.