Australia turn to Xavier Bartlett for Pakistan T20I series

Xavier Bartlett is set to play a key role for Australia in the upcoming T20I series against Pakistan, with the fast bowler returning to the national team for the first time since September.

The 25-year-old will head up Australia’s pace attack in the absence of regulars Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, who are being rested ahead of the five-Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy series.

“Those main three have been amazing for so long, unbelievable,” Bartlett said on Tuesday.

“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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Bartlett has played just two ODIs and four T20Is for his country but made a splash with back-to-back four-wicket hauls earlier this year against the West Indies.

The Queenslander was also the leading wicket-taker in the most recent Big Bash League season and is widely regarded as a long-term prospect for Australia.

Having just recovered from a side strain, Bartlett is eager to get stuck into the Pakistani lineup in Brisbane on Thursday after watching their bowlers find success against Australia in the recent ODI series.

“They have been amazing, the last two games they only used four bowlers,” he said.

“The 140 kph from both ends, been exciting to watch.

“They bowled some really great lengths and were really attacking.

“Hopefully we can emulate that.

“We’ve spoken about just trying to take wickets and try to make early inroads.

“It’s a really good cricket wicket, so it should make for entertaining cricket.”

Cricket bookmakers have Australia as $1.50 favourites to win the three-match T20I series, while Pakistan are paying $2.62 to spring another upset.

The odds at Neds are slightly closer for Thursday’s match, with Australia returning $1.61 to Pakistan’s $2.30.

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