Australia Named Pacer Xavier Bartlett In 13-Member Squad Against West Indies
Cricket Australia, recently, announced a 13-member squad for the upcoming ODI series against West Indies, starting 2nd February. The senior fast bowlers, such as Pat Cummins, Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc have also been rested. In their absence, the likes of Sean Abbott and Nathan Ellis will take up the onus in the pace department.
Uncapped seamer Xavier Bartlett has also been called up for the much-anticipated series. The Brisbane Heat pacer has made a lot of noise with his bowling exploits in the last couple of years.
5 Interesting Facts About Australia Pacer Xavier Bartlett
1. Leading wicket-taker in BBL 2023-24
Playing for Brisbane Heat, Xavier Bartlett has picked the most number of wickets in the ongoing edition of the Big Bash League. In 10 matches, he has accumulated as many as 18 wickets at an average of 15.66.
2. Featured in 20 List A matches:
Besides representing in the Big Bash League, Bartlett has a handy experience of playing in List-A matches. He made his List A debut playing for the National Performance squad against India. So far in his career, he has played 20 List-A matches and picked up 62 wickets at 26.03. His express pace is his USP and will be the one to watch out for in the series.
3. Represented Australia in the Under-19 World Cup
Xavier Bartlett was part of the Australia squad for the last edition of the Under-19 World Cup. He bowled fast with great precision and proved to be a bankable asset for the team.
4. Xavier Bartlett won the Westcott Family Trophy for First XI bowler of the year at Southport School
Bartlett showed promise during his school days when he won the Westcott Family Trophy for the First XI bowler of the year in 2015. He was an integral cog in the school’s first XI team and won his team several tournaments.
5. His economy of 5.37 in List-A cricket speaks volumes about his potential
For the unversed, Bartlett has an outstanding economy in List-A cricket. In 20 List A matches, he has picked up 62 wickets at a sensational economy of 5.37.
In the absence of Pat Cummins, Australia have appointed Steve Smith as their captain for the series. Additionally, Mitchell Marsh and Glenn Maxwell have also been rested to manage their workload. David Warner has announced his retirement and one could see Matt Short opening the innings.
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