Beardman's persistence wins over Lillee as mentor

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 13 Nov, 17:02 · Archive

Mahli Beardman took 6-24 on ODI debut against England after persuading Dennis Lillee to mentor him.

Mahli Beardman took 6-24 in his ODI debut as Australia defeated England by seven wickets at Optus Stadium on Friday. The 21-year-old's figures were the fourth-best by a debutant in ODI history, and the achievement was notable for coming against a full-strength England side.

Beardman grew up in Cowaramup, a coastal town in Western Australia near Margaret River, where winemaker Max Montgomery noticed his explosive pace. Montgomery used a contact, Rod Duggan, to attempt to arrange a meeting between Beardman and Dennis Lillee, the 77-year-old Test great who had a policy of only mentoring bowlers aged 16 or older. Lillee initially refused.

'Just through my persistence after a couple of months, he sort of gave in,' Beardman said after the match. The pair conducted a training session at South Perth, beginning a mentoring relationship that has continued since. Beardman praised Lillee's understanding of fast bowling and his ability to simplify complex concepts.

How it is being reported

• How Beardman turned Dennis Lillee's 'no' into a 'yes'Dennis Lillee initially turned down the offer to mentor Mahli Beardman, but the rising pace star's persistence eventually wore down the Australian Test great.The West Australian · 13 Nov, 16:33
• How Beardman turned Dennis Lillee's 'no' into a 'yes'Dennis Lillee initially turned down the offer to mentor Mahli Beardman, but the rising pace star's persistence eventually wore down the Australian Test great.Perth Now · 13 Nov, 16:33

In this story: Mahli Beardman · Dennis Lillee · England · Australia · Optus Stadium · Cowaramup · Margaret River

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