From little-known state cricketer to ODI star within a week, new Australian quick Xavier Bartlett has enjoyed a sharp rise.
The Brisbane Heat and Queensland seamer picked up his first international cap in last Friday’s ODI against the West Indies at the MCG and quickly found his groove at the level, taking 4/17 including the first three wickets in the 8-wicket win.
The most rewatched moment of Bartlett’s debut was undoubtedly his first international wicket as he removed opener Justin Greaves with a beautiful outswinger that clipped the top of the off stump.
The 25-year-old says he knew it was a good ball as soon as it left his fingers.
“I knew it was a decent ball as soon as it came out of the fingers,” Bartlett told SENQ Breakfast.
“You kind of feel the ball rip down the back of the seam and I was like, ‘Yeah, this could be a nice ball’.
“Then obviously you look up and see it hit the top off stump.
“It was a great feeling.”
Bartlett backed up that first effort in Melbourne with 4/21 in the third ODI in Canberra, helping him pick up Man of the Series honours.
Now boasting an ODI bowling average of just 4.75, Bartlett admits that the start of his international career still doesn’t feel real.
“It still doesn't really feel real,” Bartlett said.
“Talking to a few people yesterday and they were just like, “How was it all?’, I was like, ‘It still doesn't feel like it's happened’.
“But no, it was a great opportunity to be out there with those sorts of blokes and to learn off some of the players that were there and rub shoulders with them.
“It was incredible.”
While bowling at pace with late swing was clearly a highlight, Bartlett says he was most happy with his consistency and ability to bash a length.
“I was quite happy with the consistency with my length,” Bartlett said.
“In years gone by, my length has probably dragged out either way, being a bit too full or a bit too short in that no man's land.
“So, I was quite happy with how my length control was.”
The Queenslander’s sharp rise could even result in a stint overseas and Bartlett next hopes to play County Cricket.
While he hasn’t chosen a side to play with, Bartlett appears to have multiple options at the ready.
“I'm hopefully trying to go play some County Cricket in the off-season in England,” Bartlett said.
“It’s obviously a bucket list sort of thing and something that I want to try and expose myself to and learn as much as I can over there in their conditions.
“I haven't really made up my mind yet (with what club). There are a few people there, but it's obviously really nice to be wanted by those calibre of teams.
“People like Paul (Walter) and Sam Billings I have a really good relationship with, and they've been great for me.
“I guess to be held in high regard by them, it’s quite nice.”
Bartlett now returns to Queensland duties in the Sheffield Shield and Marsh Cup.