Late Bloomer Doggett Finally Gets Baggy Green Call-Up
In a remarkable story of persistence, Brendan Doggett is set to become Australia's 472nd Test cricketer when the Ashes series begins at Perth's Optus Stadium on Friday. The 31-year-old fast bowler received his opportunity following Josh Hazlewood's untimely hamstring injury, ending a seven-year wait since his initial selection in an Australian squad.
Indigenous Representation Milestone
Doggett's debut carries significant historical weight as he becomes just the third Indigenous male to represent Australia in Test cricket's 150-year history. He joins an exclusive group that includes current teammate Scott Boland and former fast bowler Jason Gillespie. Interestingly, Doggett only began exploring his Aboriginal heritage during his twenties after earning his first contract with Queensland Bulls.
The Toowoomba-born bowler has taken 190 first-class wickets throughout his career and played a crucial role in South Australia's transformation from perennial strugglers to Sheffield Shield champions over the past four seasons. His journey to international cricket has been anything but conventional.
Overcoming Obstacles to Reach the Top
Doggett first received national team recognition in 2018, mere months after the ball-tampering scandal that rocked Australian cricket in South Africa. However, injuries hampered his progress until a pivotal move to South Australia in 2021 revitalised his career. As the leader of their bowling attack, he helped deliver three Sheffield Shield titles.
Despite consistent inclusion in Australian squads over the past 18 months, Doggett found himself stuck behind the established pace trio of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and captain Pat Cummins. The injuries to both Cummins and Hazlewood at the start of the Ashes defence finally opened the door for his long-awaited debut.
Jason Gillespie, who coached Doggett at South Australia, praised the bowler's readiness for Test cricket. "He's one of the quicker bowlers in Australia," Gillespie told ABC Radio. "Got a good motor, he's a greyhound and is as fit as a fiddle. He's ready to go."
Gillespie also acknowledged England might see an opportunity in Australia's depleted attack but expressed confidence that "the Australian seam attack is good enough to get the job done."
Unconventional Path to Test Cricket
Doggett's selection continues Australia's recent trend of valuing experienced players, likely prompting more 'Dad's Army' comments from English critics. He joins a small group of players, including recent debutant Beau Webster and former spinner Bryce McGain, who made their Test debut for Australia without having played white-ball international cricket in their twenties.
The fast bowler's journey stands out in modern cricket. He never made any representative teams until his twenties and was plucked from local Toowoomba cricket after dominating for Toowoomba Souths. His first-class debut came for the Cricket Australia XI in October 2016.
"His path to a potential Baggy Green is not a common one in the modern game," Gillespie observed. "It just shows the value of our local competitions, plying away and working on your craft."
With Michael Neser also added to the squad as Hazlewood's replacement, Australia could field two debutants if both Cummins and Hazlewood remain unavailable for the second Test at the Gabba. For now, all attention focuses on Doggett's impending debut, a testament to perseverance in professional sport.
