Fast bowler Xavier Bartlett took 4/17 on ODI debut as Australia thrashed West Indies by eight wickets in their series opener on Friday.
Josh Inglis showed little signs of testing positive for Covid-19 the day before when he smacked a quick-fire 65 off 43 balls for Australia.
Asked to bat first, the West Indies were eventually bowled out for 231 in 48.4 overs after Bartlett’s stunning three-wicket opening burst had left the visitors in trouble at 59/4 as he went on to record Australia’s second-best ODI figures on debut.
Captain Steve Smith (79 not out) and Cameron Green (77 not out) struck fine unbeaten half-centuries as Australia eased to 232/2 in 38.3 overs.
“Amazing way to start my career,” the 25-year-old Bartlett said after he was named player of the match. “Couldn’t ask for more with that first wicket, hit the stumps … happy to contribute here.”
Australia didn’t feel the absence of its key World Cup-winning players, including skipper Pat Cummins, who was rested ahead of the tour of New Zealand.
Bartlett ran through the top order on the lively MCG wicket after he shared the new ball with another newcomer, pacer Lance Morris, as Australia went with two debutants to share the new ball for the first time in this format since Andy Bichel and Anthony Stuart at the Gabba in 1997.
Bartlett was instrumental in Brisbane Heat’s Big Bash League title this year.
