Bartlett chases Test spot as Queensland opens Sheffield Shield against Western
Xavier Bartlett tweaks his bowling action to boost his Test prospects before Queensland's Shield opener.
Xavier Bartlett has returned from Australia's one-day tour of Zimbabwe and South Africa. Bartlett took key wickets in the final ODI, removing Proteas stalwarts Aiden Markram and Quinton de Kock.
The 27-year-old now leads Queensland's attack in their Shield season opener against Western Australia at the WACA beginning Thursday. Xavier Bartlett is making some subtle changes to his bowling action to increase pace and improve his red-ball record.
He targets a Test squad call-up. Bartlett has played 34 matches for Australia in ODIs and T20s, averaging under 23 in both formats.
He takes inspiration from Bulls teammate Michael Neser, who has played five Tests and taken 22 wickets at 18.9 since their last Shield title together in 2020-21.
- 27 years old
- Age
- 25.77
- First-class average
- Michael Neser: 5 Tests, 22 wickets at 18.9
- Teammate record
Why it mattersBartlett's push toward Test cricket shows how one-day players can chase longer-form opportunities; his performance in Shield cricket will influence selectors' views of Australian pace bowling stocks.
AustraliaQueensland cricket fans will see Bartlett lead the Bulls' bowling attack this season as he works toward national team selection in a significant gap left by Michael Neser's Test involvement.
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