Australia's Injury Crisis Deepens as Bartlett Suffers Side Strain

Australia's fast bowler Xavier Bartlett sustained a side strain in the first T20I against England, further exacerbating the team's injury woes. Ben Dwarshuis has been flown to the UK as potential cover, while Riley Meredith and allrounders Aaron Hardie and Cooper Connolly are also in the running to fill in.

Australia's tour of England has been marred by yet another injury setback, with fast bowler Xavier Bartlett suffering a side strain during his fourth over in the first T20I in Southampton. This development has prompted the urgent travel of Ben Dwarshuis to the UK, although he has not been officially added to the ODI squad.

Bartlett's injury punctuated an eventful spell that had started with a no-ball leading to Phil Salt's initial dismissal at mid-off by Mitchell Marsh, who celebrated prematurely only to hear the umpire's call. Bartlett managed to redeem himself by taking the wicket of Jordan Cox during the powerplay. Noticing Bartlett's form, Marsh entrusted him with all four overs consecutively, a rarity in T20 cricket. However, the fast bowler had to forfeit his final two deliveries due to the injury.

This latest blow compounds Australia's injury troubles, with Spencer Johnson (side strain) and Nathan Ellis (hamstring) already sidelined. Riley Meredith, initially called up for the Scotland series after Josh Hazlewood's calf injury, remains with the squad for the T20I series against England. With Bartlett likely out for the rest of the tour, Meredith emerges as a strong contender to fill in for the second T20I in Cardiff on Friday.

Allrounders Aaron Hardie and Cooper Connolly are also considered for inclusion. Selectors have yet to finalize who will replace Ellis in the ODI squad. Dwarshuis, a left-armer from New South Wales, has been included as cover and will join the team ahead of the ODIs. Despite not having played an ODI, he brings experience from three T20Is.

Bartlett was not slated for the ODI series despite strong performances against the West Indies earlier this year. His side strain could also jeopardize his participation in Queensland's domestic season, with the Marsh Cup and Sheffield Shield set to commence soon. Meanwhile, Josh Hazlewood made a solid return in Southampton, taking 2 for 32, including the pivotal wicket of Liam Livingstone.

Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc are expected to be crucial for the upcoming one-day series, with Pat Cummins sitting out to focus on conditioning ahead of Australia's home summer.

(With inputs from agencies.)