Xavier Bartlett of Australia prepares to bowl during the 3rd T20I between Australia and the West Indies at Optus Stadium in Perth [Source: ]
Australia’s fine start to their series of white-ball clashes against England has been soured by another injury concern for one of their pace bowlers.
Xavier Bartlett became the latest worry for Mitch Marsh’s team on Wednesday when he failed to complete his spell with what appeared to be a side injury during Australia’s 28-run victory in the first T20 international in Southampton.
Bartlett had to leave the field at the Rose Bowl, clutching his side, with two deliveries still remaining in his impressive four-over spell, and it proved the end of his evening, leaving Marsh upset for the rising 25-year-old.
“It’s disappointing. It’s his side. It’s always disappointing to see a young fella go down, but hopefully it’s not too bad,” said the skipper.
The injury spoiled what had been another impressive outing for the man from Adelaide in just his fourth T20I since making his debut against West Indies in Perth in February.
Bartlett thought he had got rid of England captain Phil Salt, caught first ball, only for a no-ball to be called, but he went on to take the wicket of debutant Jordan Cox, finishing with 1-26 off his 3.4 overs before Cameron Green had to complete his spell by bowling the final two deliveries.
His absence would pose another problem for the visitors, with their fast-bowling stocks already depleted after two other recent setbacks and with seven more white-ball matches to be played against England over the next fortnight.
Over the past week, Nathan Ellis has had to leave the tour with a hamstring injury, while Riley Meredith, his planned replacement, also failed to recover from a side injury that he suffered during the Scottish leg of the UK trip.
The saving grace for the Australians was that their key pacer Josh Hazlewood was in sparkling form on his return from a calf strain on Wednesday, taking 2-32 while grabbing the key wicket of Liam Livingstone to end any hope of an England fightback.
