Malvern's Michael Beer gets Ashes call-up

CHESTS are puffing with pride at Malvern Cricket Club this afternoon following news of Michael Beer’s surprise call-up to the Australian Test team for the third Ashes Test against England in Perth next week.

Beer cut his cricketing teeth at Malvern and is set to become its first Test man.

The left-arm spinner moved to WA this season seeking more opportunities at first-class level, and his steady performances have him on the cusp of a baggy green cap.

“We’re absolutely stoked for young Mick,” Roosters president David Priddle said at 3.30pm.

“And we’re just as much as thrilled for his family, who are career Malvern people and who encouraged young Michael to start playing cricket.”

Michael’s father, Tony, is a legendary Malvern figure. A left-arm orthodox slow bowler, he was selected in the club’s team of the century, played more than 400 matches and is a life member.

Michael followed his dad into the First XI and in his last season at the club, 2002/03, claimed 32 wickets at 10.56, winning the bowling average.

At 17 he left to play Premier Cricket with St Kilda.

Priddle told the Leader at the time: “Michael will be a very good player. He bowls an excellent line and he’s got a very good arm ball. He would get 70 per cent of his wickets bowled or LBW. Batsman can’t pick it he has excellent disguise.

“His batting needs a bit of work but he’s got safe hands in the slips cordon.”

Priddle this afternoon laughed when reminded of his comments. “Nothing’s changed!” he said. “Hopefully he’ll dot it up (bowl tightly) for Australia. That’s what they need, someone to provide a brick wall at one end.”

He said Michael returned to Malvern whenever he could and had relished the club’s 150-year celebrations last season.

Malvern, formed in 1859, has never had a Test cricketer, although Jack Ellis made the tour of England in 1926, but never managed a Test.