Xavier the Dolphins spearhead

XAVIER Bartlett is relishing the challenge of leading the Gold Coast attack despite being limited to 12 overs a day.

With all-rounder Michael Neser away with Queensland and stalwart seamer Josh Arnold injured, Bartlett has been charged with ripping through opposition batting line-ups.

The 18-year-old is highly rated but, being on a Bulls rookie contract, is having his workload monitored – especially after suffering stress fractures in his back at the end of last season.

Bartlett says the Dolphins must put defending two-day Queensland Premier Cricket champions Wests under early pressure if they are to triumph in the match starting today at Graceville.

Given the rookie status of his likely new ball partner Nathan Lyons, the spotlight is on Bartlett to make a genuine impact.

“It is a good thing, like good pressure and good experience,” he said.

“You have got to fire and carry the attack and really spearhead that, which is something that I am looking to tackle head-on and hopefully thrive in that responsibility.

“(Wests) will be a big test. We have just got to start well whether we are batting or bowling and really build on that first hour or hour and a half to set up the game.”

With Matt Kuhnemann back after making his JLT Cup debut, Gold Coast will field an unchanged line-up.