Xavier Bartlett hopes tweaks to action will improve red-ball prospects ahead of Sheffield Shield season
Xavier Bartlett is working on changes to his action to improve his red-ball prospects before Queensland's Sheffield Shield season.
Australia white-ball quick Xavier Bartlett hopes adjustments to his bowling action will improve his red-ball record ahead of Queensland's Sheffield Shield opener against Western Australia on Thursday. The 27-year-old has played 34 matches for Australia across ODIs and T20Is in 10 countries, averaging under 23 in both formats.
Bartlett returned from a tour of Zimbabwe and South Africa where he took wickets including Aiden Markram and Quinton de Kock. He is working on increasing his pace through changes to his front arm and bowling arm to generate more bounce and a more deceptive change of pace.
He cited teammate Michael Neser as an influence. Neser played five Tests last summer and took 22 wickets at 18.9. Bartlett said learning from Neser and Queensland bowling coach Hamish Bennett had helped his development.
CricHubb Take
Bartlett's focus on red-ball development reflects a broader pattern where white-ball specialists are extending their careers by deliberately rebuilding their longer-format skills.