With Josh Hazlewood out of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 due to an injury, Australia faces a significant challenge in its pace attack. Xavier Colin Bartlett has emerged as a strong candidate to fill Hazlewood’s role, bringing both pace and reliability—key traits for intense matches.
Along with Nathan Ellis and other bowlers, Bartlett enhances the team’s depth and provides wicket-taking options. This article explores why Bartlett is Australia’s best choice in Hazlewood’s absence, focusing on his skills, recent performance, and potential impact in the tournament.
Impressive T20I Record
Xavier Bartlett has made a notable impact in his short T20I career. He has taken 22 wickets in 17 matches, maintaining an economy rate of 7.82. This shows his ability to take wickets while keeping runs low, a vital skill in T20 Cricket where every run counts. His performance indicates consistency and an ability to handle pressure, making him a reliable option for Australia with Hazlewood missing.
Versatility Across All Phases
One of Bartlett’s key strengths is his ability to bowl effectively in all three phases of a T20 innings: the powerplay, middle overs, and death overs. He demonstrated this versatility in the BBL 2026 while playing for the Brisbane Heat, expertly varying his pace, line, and length to suit the scenario. This adaptability allows the team to use him flexibly based on match needs, benefiting Australia’s bowling lineup significantly.
Current Form and Confidence
Heading into the World Cup, Bartlett is in excellent form. In the latest BBL season, he claimed 15 wickets in just 10 matches, showcasing his consistency and wicket-taking ability. He also performed well in the recent series against Pakistan, highlighting his readiness for crucial matches. Given his current form, he is a promising option to strengthen Australia’s bowling attack in the absence of experienced bowlers like Hazlewood.
