Former Australia wicketkeeper Ian Healy has called for Xavier Bartlett to be given Test match opportunities ahead of the 2027 Ashes series in England, warning that Australia cannot win in the United Kingdom unless significant changes are made, particularly to the batting line-up.
Healy expressed his views on the state of Australian cricket. The erstwhile cricketer was direct about Australia's batting struggles.
"Wholesale changes, not really (to everything), but we better get a fast bowler going. Xavier
Bartlett, I would like to see him have a Test here or there. Get him away from white-ball cricket too. He's got a very successful role to play in red ball. We would better start getting he and Fergus O'Neill from Victoria a bit of exposure to the pressure of fast bowling in Tests," Healy was quoted as saying by SEN.
"No, it cannot (win the Ashes in UK), because it does not seem to be happening with our batters, does it? Our batters are not coming in and making hundreds early doors. Josh Inglis did, but he has been around the squad for about four years, they have carried him as a second wicketkeeper and a handy batsman," Healy added.
Australia's recent Test record has added weight to Healy's concerns. The Aussies lost a Test series to South Africa 2-1, going down to the World Test Championship title holders in the final match of that tour. Australia had been the 2023 World Test Championship champions before that series defeat.
How has Nathan Lyon fared and what is Australia's next assignment?
Healy also turned his attention to the spin department. He did not rule out veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon but suggested it was time to make a tough call, pointing to Lyon's performances in Shield cricket against younger spinners Todd Murphy and Corey Rocchiccioli. Healy noted that Lyon has not bowled as consistently as he did in the past and does not generate the same turn and bounce.
"Yes, it is time (for tough call on Lyon). But not to rule him out. I have got him in a bowl-off in the next two Shield games. He has got to show me some form in these two Shield games. I am even giving him the third one off to be getting ready for the Tests, even if he is bowling very well. He did not bowl consistently well enough for me. He didn't turn and bounce the ball, like he has in the past. I have got him in a bowl off with the likes of Todd Murphy and Corey Rocchiccioli," Healy said.
Lyon's numbers in 2026 reflect those concerns. The off-spinner took 10 wickets from four Tests so far in 2026 at an underwhelming average of 41.20, with best figures of 3/25. On the South Africa tour specifically, Lyon managed just six wickets at 43.66, with a best return of 2/58. In contrast, South Africa's Simon Harmer took 14 wickets in three Tests at 29.35, including a ten-wicket haul in the final match.
Australia's next opportunity to address these concerns comes at home, with a four-match Test series against New Zealand beginning December 9. That series will give selectors a chance to assess Bartlett, O'Neill and the spin options before the 2027 Ashes squad is finalised.
