Bartlett ready to rip in at the Gabba to upset Pakistan
Xavier Bartlett’s natural aggression with the new ball will suit Australia’s plans when the hosts look to restore some cricketing pride against Pakistan.
Australia’s understrength 50-over unit lost the series with the tourists 2-1 earlier this week, Pakistan responding to a tight first-up loss with nine and eight-wicket victories.
The nine-wicket win in Adelaide was Australia’s heaviest loss by wickets in an ODI at home since 1992.
World Cup-winning captain Michael Clarke blasting the selections during the series, claiming Australia “didn’t care about losing”.
They will begin a three-game Twenty20 International series at the Gabba on Thursday, Queensland product Xavier Bartlett fit again after a side strain cut short his England tour in September.
He’ll return to a side missing their Test spearheads, with the 25-year-old tasked with restoring order alongside fellow seamers Nathan Ellis, Spencer Johnson, Sean Abbott, Marcus Stoinis and Aaron Hardie.
Barlett dodged debate over scheduling, selections and player management, saying instead it was “an amazing opportunity” to wear Australian colours in his home state.
“It was a tough series loss but Pakistan are playing some great cricket,” Bartlett said on Tuesday.
“We spoke about trying to take (more) wickets … go in, positive mindset, in the powerplay try and make early inroads.”
That’s something Bartlett has done successfully at all levels, his six wickets in four T20s for Australia coming after he was initially used as a BBL new ball specialist for the Brisbane Heat.
His role three years ago was to bowl one over, searching for a wicket with his full-pitched swinging deliveries, and then get substituted out of the game.
Bartlett never complained and, like now with Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood preparing for the India Test series, is happy to take every chance he gets.
“Those main three have been amazing for so long, unbelievable,” he said.
“The goal is always to try and play Test cricket for Australia.
“There’s so much cricket and every time you get a chance to play for Australia it’s a childhood dream.
“Whether it’s (due to) people who are unavailable or available you just have to try to take your opportunity.
“And this is a great opportunity.”
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