Bartlett signs MLC deal with Unicorns on the back of his skills with the new ball at the beginning of the innings.
Bartlett signs with the San Fransisco Unicorns to play in the MLC.
Bartlett will join Australia teammates Cooper Connolly, Jake Fraser-McGurk, and Matt Short at Unicorns. Bartlett is presently playing in the IPL with the Ricky Ponting-coached Punjab Kings.
With 11 wickets in seven games at an economy rate of 6.84, he has had a strong start to his T20I career.
He was the Brisbane Heat’s top wicket-taker in the 2023–24 season, which turned out to be a breakthrough campaign that led to his debut for his country. After that season, he was given a contract with Cricket Australia, which he kept on the most recent list that was revealed earlier this month.
“Xavier has shown his prowess leading the bowling attack for the Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League and he will be a great addition to the Unicorns bowling line up with his wicket-taking ability with the new ball,” Unicorns head coach Shane Watson said.
“Having developed through the national pathways in Australia and onto the international scene, he’s matured into a very clever pace bowler, able to both keep the rate down and break key partnerships.”
Depending on whether multi-format quicks are rested, Bartlett may go from MLC to Australia’s T20I series against the West Indies. He will also be eligible for the Top End series against South Africa in August, which consists of both T20Is and ODIs.
Although those participating in the concurrent Test matches against the West Indies won’t be accessible, there will be a substantial Australian attendance at MLC once more. From June 12 to July 13, MLC is in operation.