Horne: Xavier Bartlett, Spencer Johnson prove themselves to be part of Australia’s Test future

Australia boasts the most feared bowling attack on the planet - but with a trio of paceman all in their 30s, it’s time to start thinking about Generation Next, writes Ben Horne.

Australia might have temporarily lost ‘The Wild Thing’, but it is becoming increasingly infatuated with the ‘X Man.’

Lance ‘The Wild Thing’ Morris is set to be ruled out of Australia’s upcoming Test tour of New Zealand after suffering a devastating side-strain in Tuesday’s farcical three-hour ODI flogging of the West Indies in Canberra.

Xavier ‘X Man’ Bartlett’s brilliant 4-21, to go with his 4-17 on debut in Melbourne could not be better timed for Australia, even if he may be a little underdone with the red ball to be considered as Morris’ replacement for New Zealand when selectors announce their squad later this week.

So too, the other hot prospect, Big Bash sensation, Spencer ‘The Mild Thing’ Johnson, who like Bartlett, hasn’t played a first-class match since April last year when they both starred for Australia A in New Zealand.

Xavier Bartlett was dominant in his debut international series. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

But from what we’ve seen this summer, it’s time for Bartlett and Johnson to be fast-tracked in succession plans for Australia’s Test future.

As good as the nicknames are, what really matters is there’s serious substance behind them. The young tearaways from the Brisbane Heat are the real deal.

Bartlett’s eight-wickets in two matches is surely one of the best starts to an ODI career ever, and certainly his average (4.75 for each of his eight wickets) is the lowest of the 1080 bowlers in world cricket, as per ABC stats whiz, Ric Finlay.

Steve Smith was impressed with Bartlett long before he became his international captain these past few days.

“I remember facing him five or six years ago in the Gabba nets before a Test match, and I remember just seeing the seam coming down and thought, ‘gee this guy presents a beautiful seam.’ Which you don’t see all the time,” Smith said.

“Seeing him come out in this series and seeing him bowl well is outstanding. He presented that seam I spoke about, swung it and got the rewards. It looks like he has a bright future.”

Morris’ injury is a massive shame because in his 4.3 overs, the West Australian showed why he’s dubbed The Wild Thing with a fearsome spell which proved why selectors have had him in pole position to debut in Test cricket should something happen to one of the big three fast bowlers.

Lance Morris suffered an injury in the win. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

But the blow to Morris’ prospects of storming into the Test cricket are at least mitigated from Australia’s point of view, by the emergence of Bartlett and Johnson.

There is no shortage of bright bowling stars coming through for Australia, which is exactly what you want to hear when Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc are both sliding into their mid-30s and Pat Cummins is due to turn 31.

You can throw the Bradman Young Player of the Year Fergus O’Neill, South Australia’s Nathan McAndrew and Tasmania’s Gabe Bell into the mix too, as well as the capped Jhye Richardson, who just has to get his body right after a frustrating run.

After the big three, it’s anybody’s guess who the next star of Australian fast bowling is, and it changes by the week.

Right now, it’s still Scott Boland who would come into the XI in New Zealand in the event of injury, although he has himself been nursing a sore knee.

Spencer Johnson, along with Bartlett have been dominant for the Heat in the BBL. (Photo by Izhar KHAN / AFP)

Queensland’s Michael Neser may also be well placed for a call-up for New Zealand if selectors decide to replace Morris with a second spare quick, although it probably isn’t essential given it’s only two Tests and the flight across the ditch only short if further back-up was needed at short notice.

But you get the feeling that Boland, 34 and Neser, 33 might soon be eclipsed by Generation Next.

As Sean Abbott found missing out on Australia’s Twenty20 squad for New Zealand which appears to be the 15 they intend on taking to the West Indies for the World Cup later this year, it’s not easy for guys on the fringes.

When you’re carrying the drinks for Australia and not getting a game, you can easily get overtaken on the highway by the next big thing.

And Bartlett and Johnson are driving Ferraris with the epic five-Test series against India next summer now well and truly on the horizon.

Originally published as Horne: Xavier Bartlett, Spencer Johnson prove themselves to be part of Australia’s Test future