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Ex-Aussie Pacer's Verdict: Why Xavier Bartlett is Australia's Next Big Thing

Former Australian fast bowler Michael Kasprowicz is thoroughly impressed with young Queensland star Xavier Bartlett's development through the ranks. He specifically highlighted Bartlett's memorable performance where he dismissed Indian legend Virat Kohli for consecutive ducks. Kasprowicz expressed complete confidence in Australia's pace bowling future despite the aging current trio of Cummins, Hazlewood, and Starc. The ex-pacer also praised Brendan Doggett's natural athleticism and pace that earned him an Ashes squad selection.

Key Points: Michael Kasprowicz Praises Xavier Bartlett Brendan Doggett Progress

  • Bartlett has taken 15 wickets in just five ODIs with impressive 11.12 average
  • The young pacer famously dismissed Virat Kohli for back-to-back ducks in Adelaide
  • Kasprowicz isn't overthinking Australia's pace bowling transition despite aging stars
  • Queensland's Sheffield Shield system praised as world's best development platform
  • Brendan Doggett earns Ashes squad call-up with 184 first-class wickets
  • Current pace trio Cummins, Hazlewood, Starc entering final career years
3 min read

Have really loved watching Xavier...: Ex-Aussie pacer on young Queensland star

Former Australian pacer Michael Kasprowicz expresses confidence in young pace duo Xavier Bartlett and Brendan Doggett as Australia's bowling transition looms.

"I have really loved watching Xavier coming through, I remember seeing him as a young fella - Michael Kasprowicz"

Gold Coast, November 5

Former Australian pacer Michael Kasprowicz expressed happiness at the progress of future Australian pace prospects Xavier Bartlett and Brendan Doggett through the ranks, saying that he would not "overthink" about Australia's period of transition in pace bowling as star trio of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc enter final years of their careers.

Kasprowicz was addressing a press conference on the Gold Coast ahead of the fourth T20I between India and Australia, scheduled for Thursday.

Speaking on Xavier's progress, who has shown immense promise in white-ball cricket and had stunned a jam-packed Adelaide crowd by dismissing Indian legend Virat Kohli for his second back-to-back duck, the ex-pacer said, "I have really loved watching Xavier coming through, I remember seeing him as a young fella in the squad of course. Andy Bichel, good mate of mine, is actually the bowling coach and seeing him along the way so oh look I think it just continues the great path of Queensland with this fast bowling theme that we have had."

In five ODIs, Bartlett has taken 15 wickets at an average of 11.12, with best figures of 4/17 and two four-wicket hauls. In 14 T20Is and 13 innings, he has taken 18 wickets at an average of 18.94, with best figures of 3/13.

Representing Queensland at the state-level, Bartlett has been great at the first-class level, with the 26-year-old having taken 94 scalps in 28 matches at an average of 26.62, with best figures of 5/32.

On the transition of the Aussie pace attack, which could take place after the current ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle of 2025-27 with Cummins (32), Hazlewood (34) and Starc (35) ageing, Kasprowicz said that he is "not going to overthink it" as the Sheffield Shield competition is the "best in the world" and gives a platform to players to perform against some fantastic players in difficult conditions.

"I know there is a science component to it now, as far as all that, but I think ultimately that the players today are so much fitter, stronger and faster than certainly we were back then because of that, so I think that is the exciting part and just have the confidence that that talent is going to see its way through."

Speaking on Doggett, who has been added to the first Ashes Test squad, the ex-pacer concluded, "Not only is he an athlete, but also his pace, it sort of makes it look easy. And he keeps coming, I think that is the other thing which you have to do at Test Cricket," he concluded.

Uncapped across all formats, Doggett has taken 184 first-class wickets in 49 matches at an average of 26.75, with best figures of 6/15, including eight five-wicket hauls and a ten-fer.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Australia always produces quality fast bowlers. Their system is so robust. While it's sad to see legends like Cummins and Starc aging, they have good replacements coming through. Indian cricket should learn from their development pipeline.
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Ananya R
Kasprowicz makes a good point about not overthinking the transition. Australia's domestic cricket is indeed world-class. But I hope our BCCI is also preparing for when our senior players retire. We need to build bench strength too! 🇮🇳
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David E
As someone who follows both Indian and Australian cricket closely, I appreciate how Australia manages their talent pipeline. Bartlett's numbers are impressive across formats. The real test will be how he performs in Test cricket against quality batting lineups.
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Shreya B
Queensland seems to be the factory of fast bowlers! First Bichel, now Bartlett. Their system works wonders. Meanwhile in India, we're still searching for consistent pace bowlers beyond Bumrah and Shami. Need to invest more in domestic cricket infrastructure.
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Vikram M
While I respect Kasprowicz's optimism, I think he's being a bit casual about the transition. Replacing legends like Cummins, Hazlewood and Starc won't be easy. The pressure on young bowlers will be immense, especially in Test cricket. Let's see how they handle it.

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