Australia’s pace bowling woes continue as Xavier Bartlett joins the injury list with a side strain sustained during the first T20I against England in Southampton. Bartlett’s injury, if confirmed to end his tour, would add to the absences of Spencer Johnson (side) and Nathan Ellis (hamstring).
Bartlett’s impressive performance in the match, claiming the wicket of Jordan Cox and extracting swing on a cold night, was cut short by his injury. The selectors now face the prospect of bringing in Riley Meredith, who was retained for the England T20 matches after Ellis’s injury, for the second T20I in Cardiff on Friday. Allrounders Aaron Hardie and Cooper Connolly are also options for the side.
The selectors have yet to confirm who will replace Ellis in the one-day squad. New South Wales left-armer Ben Dwarshuis is set to join the team ahead of the ODIs, but his role is currently limited to providing cover.
Bartlett’s injury is a setback for the Australian team, as he had not been included in the ODI squad despite his impressive performances against West Indies earlier this year. The side injury could also impact his availability for the start of the domestic season with Queensland, with the Marsh Cup beginning later this month and the Sheffield Shield starting in early October.
Meanwhile, Josh Hazlewood made a strong return to action in Southampton, taking 2 for 32 from his four overs, including the crucial wicket of Liam Livingstone. Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc will be part of the one-day series, while Pat Cummins is missing the entire tour to focus on strength and conditioning ahead of the home summer.
