Head Released From Australia ODI And T20I Squads, Bartlett To Be Rested For Second ODI
Australia ODI: Australia opener Travis Head has been released from both the ODI and T20I squads to "refresh" after a strenuous Test summer, and pace bowler Xavier Bartlett has been rested for the second ODI against West Indies but is
World Cup-winning quick Josh Hazlewood has been added to Australia's squad for the second ODI against the West Indies at the SCG.
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Bartlett's impressive performance in Melbourne, where he claimed 4 for 17, marked a memorable start to his international career. However, the management's decision to rest him for the second ODI is part of a calculated plan to manage his workload cautiously. A Cricket Australia statement said the decision formed part of his "ongoing management" after the 25-year-old Queenslander missed the first half of the domestic season following his return from a back stress injury.
The young pace sensation, who dealt with a back injury last year, is being handled judiciously, especially considering the demanding schedule with three ODIs in five days and no prior one-day or Shield cricket this season.
The void left by Bartlett's absence in Sydney will be filled by the inclusion of experienced World Cup-winning quick, Josh Hazlewood. Hazlewood initially rested for the ODI series after a busy Test summer, is set to bolster the Australian squad.
Left-arm quick Spencer Johnson will join the squad as cover for the third ODI in Canberra on Tuesday.
Australia has not named a replacement after Head's departure and that opens the door for potential changes in the lineup, with the promising Jake Fraser-McGurk in contention to make his ODI debut at the SCG.
