With Josh Hazlewood sidelined from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 due to an injury, Australia is facing a significant challenge in its pace attack. Enter Xavier Colin Bartlett, who looks like a promising candidate to step into Hazlewood’s shoes. He brings not just pace but also consistency and adaptability, which are crucial in high-stakes matches. Alongside Nathan Ellis and other supporting bowlers, Bartlett adds depth and wicket-taking ability to the team. In this article, we’ll dive deeper into why Bartlett is Australia’s top choice in Hazlewood’s absence, exploring his skills, recent performances, and how he can help the team stay competitive in the tournament. Impressive T20I record In his relatively brief T20I career, Xavier Bartlett has already made quite a splash. With 22 wickets in just 17 matches and an economy rate of 7.82, he’s proven he can snag wickets while keeping the runs in check, an essential skill in T20 cricket where every single run matters. His record showcases not only consistency but also the ability to thrive under pressure, making him a dependable choice for Australia, especially with Hazlewood sidelined. Also Read | T20 World Cup 2026 ultimate guide: format, venues, points, rules Explained Versatility across all phases One of Bartlett’s standout qualities is his knack for bowling in all three phases of a T20 innings in the powerplay, middle overs, and death overs. He showcased this versatility brilliantly during the BBL 2026 with the Brisbane Heat, skillfully adjusting his pace, line, and length to fit the situation. This adaptability gives the team the flexibility to deploy him in various roles based on match conditions, which is a huge asset for Australia’s bowling lineup. Current form and confidence As he heads into the World Cup, Bartlett is riding a wave of excellent form. In the latest BBL season, he took 15 wickets in just 10 matches, proving his consistency and knack for taking wickets. He also looked sharp during the recent series against Pakistan, where his performances underscored his readiness for high-stakes matches. With his current form, he’s a promising candidate to step up and bolster Australia’s bowling attack in the absence of seasoned pacers like Hazlewood.