Imagine dedicating years to your craft, honing your skills, and finally feeling ready for the biggest stage. That's Brendan Doggett's reality. After a stunning performance in his return to Sheffield Shield cricket, the 31-year-old fast bowler is on the cusp of an Ashes call-up. But will the selectors finally give him his chance?
Doggett emphatically stated, "I'll be ready," signaling his eagerness to join the Australian squad for the highly anticipated first Test. This declaration comes after he showcased his impressive form, bagging 6 for 48 and 1 for 38 in his first Shield game of the season for South Australia against Western Australia. It was a triumphant return to first-class cricket following a frustrating minor hamstring injury – sustained, rather unusually, while batting in a One-Day Cup match.
He's been part of Australia's Test squad before, for the World Test Championship final and the West Indies tour last winter, but a hip injury forced his withdrawal, leaving him hungry for another opportunity. He's been patiently awaiting the call, and all signs point to his inclusion in the squad, which is expected to be announced soon.
But here's where it gets controversial... Even with Pat Cummins sidelined for the first Test, Doggett's path to a Test debut in Perth isn't guaranteed. He's likely to be a reserve, standing behind established stars like Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Scott Boland. Is this fair to a player who's clearly in form and ready to contribute?
Doggett himself admitted he hasn't yet heard from the national selectors but remains vigilant, phone in hand. He understands the pecking order but clearly believes he has something to offer, especially on flatter pitches where his ability to swing the new ball at pace and extract bounce from his height becomes invaluable. This makes you wonder: does Australia need to look beyond the established names and inject some fresh energy into their bowling attack?
His recent form speaks volumes. In his last 12 first-class matches, Doggett has taken an incredible four six-wicket hauls, along with two five-wicket bags, accumulating 57 wickets at an impressive average of 20.40 and a blistering strike rate of 39.5. That's a wicket every 39.5 balls! Such statistics are hard to ignore, and they underscore his readiness for the Test arena. Think about the sheer impact he could have!
And this is the part most people miss... Doggett's resurgence has coincided with the arrival of former Australian Ashes hero Ryan Harris as South Australia's coach. Doggett credits Harris with instilling confidence and sharing invaluable knowledge, allowing him to embrace his strengths and bowl with aggression and pace. Harris's influence seems to have unlocked a new level of performance in Doggett, but the question remains: will it be enough to earn him that elusive Test debut?
Doggett's potential inclusion in the Ashes squad marks a long and winding journey. He was initially recognized as a potential Test player back in 2018 after his standout performance in the 2017-18 Shield final while playing for Queensland. However, injuries and his subsequent move to South Australia saw him fall down the pecking order. Other bowlers like Jhye Richardson, Michael Neser, and Scott Boland seized their opportunities, making their Test debuts. In fact, Australia hasn't blooded a new fast bowler in a Test match since Boland's debut on Boxing Day in 2021. Is it time for a change?
He also enjoyed a stint in County Championship cricket with Durham, but a minor injury cut his time short, with Australian selectors keen to keep him fit and available as a standby for the WTC final and the West Indies tour. This highlights the high regard in which he's held within the Australian setup, even if opportunities have been limited.
So, what do you think? Has Brendan Doggett done enough to warrant a place in the Ashes squad, and more importantly, a chance to prove himself on the biggest stage? Should Australia stick with their tried-and-tested bowlers, or is it time to unleash a hungry and in-form Doggett? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
