Kent Cricket signs Australia quick Xavier Bartlett for 2024 Vitality Blast

Kent Cricket has made a significant signing for the upcoming 2024 Vitality Blast season, securing the services of Australian fast bowler Xavier Bartlett for the first eight matches of the tournament. The 25-year-old was in scintillating form during the recent Big Bash League season, where he was named the Player of the Tournament for Brisbane Heat.

Bartlett finished as the top wicket-taker in BBL|13, claiming 20 wickets at an impressive average of 14.70. His performances caught the eye of selectors, earning him a debut for the Australian T20I team earlier this year. In his first international outing, Bartlett made an immediate impact by dismissing both West Indies openers.

Joining Bartlett at Kent Cricket will be his compatriot Wes Agar and South African all-rounder Beyers Swanepoel, who will also be available for selection in the Vitality Blast. With the tournament allowing three overseas players in a squad, Kent will have a formidable bowling attack at their disposal.

Director of Cricket at Kent, Simon Cook, expressed his delight at securing Bartlett’s services, highlighting the bowler’s recent success and potential. “He is hot property at the moment and fully deserves his new central contract with Australia. I know that Spitfires supporters around the world will be extremely excited that the BBL’s top wicket-taker this Winter will be pulling on a Kent shirt this June,” Cook said.

With Bartlett’s arrival adding firepower to Kent’s bowling unit, fans can expect an exciting campaign in the Vitality Blast as the team looks to make a strong impression in the competition.