In a recent development, the Australian Cricket Board has decided to give rest to right-arm pacer Xavier Bartlett who is recovering from a back injury sustained last year, from the 2nd of a 3-match ODI series against West Indies. Cricket Australia has also decided to omit World Cup final’s man of the match winning batter Travis Head to manage his workload and has recalled senior Josh Hazlewood for the series.
Xavier Bartlett made his international white ball debut yesterday against West Indies during Australia’s 8-wicket win in the 1st ODI at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The South Australian registered sensational figures of 4/17 in 9 overs and it did not look as if Bartlett was playing his debut ODI match.
He is a part of the new and young set of Australian players who are looking to throw their hats to replace the veterans. All format captain Pat Cummins had stated before the series that new players will be given a chance so that the next generation can be groomed well.
Cummins emphasized this factor even more to shape a youth-filled Australian team during next year’s ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan. He also noted that by the time the next 50-over Cricket World Cup comes in 2027, a lot of their senior players who played a major role in their 2023 CWC triumph in India will be well over their peak years.
That’s why it becomes even more imperative for the Baggy Greens to start preparing a new team. In this series, the selectors have welcomed new and talented faces like John Fraser McGurk, Mackenzie Harvey, Aaron Hardie, Will Sutherland, Lance Morris, and Xavier Bartlett.
Right-arm pacer Nathan Ellis was also included in the squad for the ODIs against West Indies but he had to withdraw himself due to an injury with Cricket Australia naming Sutherland as his replacement.
The apex Australia board has also decided to give some rest to left-hand top order batter Travis Head, following months of relentless cricket. He had missed the initial parts of the Cricket World Cup last year due to a fractured left hand before recovering just in time and delivering one of the best innings in a WC final.
Josh Hazlewood To Replace Xavier Bartlett While Spencer Johnson Comes In As Cover Bowler In The Squad
Senior pacer Josh Hazlewood who racked up 16 wickets in the tournament, has been recalled by the selectors after initially keeping him out of the ODI series. Hazlewood could be making his appearance in place of Xavier Bartlett during the 2nd ODI tomorrow at the SCG.
Left-arm fast bowler Spencer Johnson has been added for the remaining ODI fixtures at Sydney and Canberra as an extra option or a cover bowler in the squad.
Out of all the young faces that were included in the squad, Xavier Bartlett has been the best performer. He was adjudged man of the match for his figures of 4/17 and he is expected to return to the playing XI for the 3rd ODI on February 6.