Xavier Bartlett’s return to the Australian cricket scene is a welcome sight for the national hierarchy, who are looking to bolster their fast bowling depth ahead of the grueling Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India. Bartlett, who has been sidelined since September due to a side strain, is set to make his comeback in the T20I series opener against Pakistan at the Gabba on Thursday.
Bartlett’s impressive performances in last season’s BBL, where he was the leading wicket-taker and played a pivotal role in Brisbane Heat’s title triumph, have put him on the radar of the selectors. His ability to generate late swing with the new ball, thanks to his immaculate upright seam positioning, makes him a valuable asset.
With Australia’s frontline quicks, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc, facing the challenge of five Tests against India within seven weeks, the hierarchy is keen to build depth behind them. Bartlett’s return provides a much-needed option, especially considering the recent fitness issues with fringe quicks like Michael Neser, Lance Morris, and Jhye Richardson.
Bartlett, who has taken four-wicket hauls in his first two ODIs against West Indies and has an impressive average of 17.66 in T20Is, is eager to seize the opportunity. “Going forward there will be opportunities. Personally, the goal is always to try and play Test cricket for Australia,” he said.
Bartlett will be part of a second-string Australian team that will aim to salvage some pride after their surprise ODI series defeat to Pakistan. The batters struggled against Pakistan’s pace attack, and Bartlett believes that Australia can learn from their opponents. “They have been amazing, the last two games they only used four bowlers,” he said. “Hopefully we can emulate that.”
Bartlett is set to share the new ball with left-arm quick Spencer Johnson, a partnership that proved successful for the Heat during their title run. While the Gabba surface is known for its pace and bounce, Bartlett is confident that it will make for entertaining cricket.
While Bartlett’s performances in the T20I series could see him move up the pecking order of fringe Test bowlers, his Heat teammate Nathan McSweeney will make his debut in the first Test after being named as Usman Khawaja’s opening partner. Bartlett expressed his excitement for McSweeney, saying, “To see his journey from when we were about 11 or 12 [years of age] to where he is now, making his Test debut, it’s unbelievable.”
