Inexperienced but ready: Australia brace for England

Justin Chadwick |

Xavier Bartlett is excited to be leading Australia’s white-ball attack against England.
Xavier Bartlett is excited to be leading Australia’s white-ball attack against England.

Paceman Xavier Bartlett can’t help but dream of an Ashes call-up, but his immediate priority is leading Australia’s inexperienced attack in their upcoming ODI series against England.

Australia enter the series severely undermanned on the pace bowling front after deciding to rest star trio Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood.

Nathan Ellis (side strain) is also missing.

It means 27-year-old Bartlett will lead an inexperienced pace brigade featuring debutant Mahli Beardman, left-armer Spencer Johnson, and allrounders Jack Edwards and Liam Scott.

(L-R) Andrew McDonald and Xavier Bartlett.
Xavier Bartlett has been backed by coach Andrew McDonald to spearhead Australia’s white-ball attack. (Darren England/AAP PHOTOS)

Between them, the five players have a total of just 22 ODI appearances – with Bartlett boasting 12 of them.

“It’s obviously exciting to get that responsibility of a young bowling group,” Bartlett said in Perth on Wednesday.

“All the boys in the squad, and myself included, are very young in our international careers.

“We’ve also played a lot of domestic cricket, so it’s really exciting to go out there and take on a strong England side.”

When fit, Cummins, Starc and Hazlewood are a lock in the Test side.

But there’s a growing feeling Bartlett’s expertise will be well suited in English conditions for the Ashes series, which begins in June next year.

“The Ashes series is a massive opportunity and I’ve always wanted to play Test cricket for Australia,” Bartlett said.

“It’s there, but I don’t want to look too far ahead.

“I’m just trying to focus on the next game. If I can put some good performance on the board, hopefully I’ll be in and around that conversation.”

Bartlett is also eyeing off the ODI World Cup next year, and his recent time spent with Starc, Cummins and Hazlewood in Africa was invaluable.

Josh Hazlewood and Xavier Bartlett.
Josh Hazlewood congratulates Xavier Bartlett after taking one of his 24 T20I wickets. (Andrew Cornaga/AAP PHOTOS)

“Those blokes are superstars,” Bartlett said.

“They’ve been dominating international cricket for the best part of 15 years.

“So to get to spend some time with them and pick their brains was great.

“They’re always so good with their time and I guess the thing that is so impressive with them is their preparation.”

AAP