Rising fast bowler Xavier Bartlett is focusing on making a return to Australia’s national team after an unlucky side strain ended his tour of England campaign early this year.

As he nears full health again, the 25-year-old is keen to add more caps to his increasing collection of international appearances. Just 3.4 overs into his maiden international encounter on English soil, in September’s opening Twenty20 match against England, Bartlett suffered a strain to his side.

He missed the remainder of the Twenty20 series as well as the next five-match ODI series due to the injury. For Bartlett, who had made waves in ODIs against the West Indies in February with consecutive four-wicket hauls, it was a disappointing time.

Bartlett stated, looking back on the injury and his recuperation: “It’s been roughly five weeks since I did that side strain.” Now that I’m back to a full run-up, it’s really beginning to take form. Never having done one before… Cricket.com.au cited Barlett as stating, “It was obviously really disappointing and frustrating to pick it up when I did.”

Bartlett is still optimistic about making a return in the T20 series that will come next, even though he was left out of Australia’s ODI selection for the forthcoming series against Pakistan. Bartlett has his eyes set on the first Twenty20 at the Gabba on November 14, a location where he has a strong record playing for the Brisbane Heat. He has matches scheduled in Sydney, Hobart, and Brisbane.

As a child, playing a game for Australia on your home field is something you do dream about. Therefore, if that chance presents itself, that would be an awesome occasion, “said Barlett.

With an average of one wicket per 13 balls, Bartlett has been a standout performer for the Heat at the Gabba, claiming 20 wickets in only 13 games. An additional source of incentive as he continues his recuperation would be performing for his home audience of Australia, which would represent a huge career milestone.

Bartlett is anticipated to participate in forthcoming Sheffield Shield and one-day matches for Queensland as he develops match fitness before seeking a national recall.

Despite the difficulties, Bartlett is committed to pursuing his career ascent in international cricket and is keeping his eyes on the future. “I’ve got one eye on the T20 series against Pakistan,” he said.