A right-arm fast bowler whose career was stalled because of a suspect action. Bartlett started his career with Central Districts and was selected for the tour of Australia in 1960, where he played the four unofficial Test matches. The Aussie captain Ian Craig, described him as the fastest bowler he would ever face.

The very next year, Bartlett got his first Test cap on the tour to South Africa. He played in all the five Tests, but picked only 8 wickets. However, he made useful contributions coming lower down the order, aggregating 215 runs at 23.88. After that series, Bartlett became an inconsistent member of the side.

During the second Test versus India at Christchurch, Bartlett recorded his career best figures of 6 for 38 - also the best figures by a Kiwi bowler at that time. That spell helped New Zealand register their first win against India. In that same game, Indian opening batsman Syed Abid Ali protested that Bartlett's action was suspect. And during the fourth Test, Indian team manager Ghulam Ahmed protested again. Despite all the speculation Bartlett was never called for chucking.

The series against India was his last and Bartlett never played for New Zealand again. He continued playing first class cricket and hung up his boots after the 1969-70 season.