Brendan Doggett is poised to become Australia’s first fast-bowling debutant in four years, stepping into the spotlight following Josh Hazlewood’s hamstring injury. The announcement comes as Australia prepares for the first Test in Perth, marking a significant moment both on and off the field.
Last Wednesday, Doggett found himself in a tense moment at Bellerive Oval in Hobart. As he awaited his turn to bat for South Australia, his teammate Travis Head delivered unexpected news: Hazlewood was injured, and Doggett might be called up for the Test match in Perth. “He was winding me up a bit,” Doggett recounted to reporters. “It’s not really what I needed at the time.”
Doggett’s Imminent Test Debut
Although not officially confirmed, Doggett is likely to become Australia’s 472nd Test cricketer on Friday. This debut is particularly notable as he will be the first fast bowler to debut for Australia since Scott Boland in December 2021. The durability of Australia’s primary pace trio—Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Hazlewood—has meant few opportunities for newcomers.
Doggett humorously acknowledged the challenge ahead, saying, “I probably don’t take as many wickets as them. They’re tall quicks. They get a lot of bounce. I’m obviously just a little bit skiddier, but try and move the ball off the wicket both ways and try to swing the ball away from a right-hander.”
Australia’s Bowling Depth Tested
This development follows a period of strategic planning by Australia’s cricket hierarchy, keen to maintain the fitness of their key bowlers through to the Ashes. However, with Hazlewood and Sean Abbott sidelined, the depth of Australia’s pace attack will be tested in Perth, potentially offering Doggett a one-off opportunity.
Pat Cummins, meanwhile, has been showcasing his readiness, bowling with vigor and precision in the Perth nets. His performance has fueled speculation about his return, although Brisbane may be a more likely venue for his comeback. Hazlewood’s recovery is expected to take longer, providing Doggett with a chance to shine.
Doggett’s Form and Experience
At 31, Doggett is in the form of his life, with 63 wickets at an average of 20.12 in his last 13 matches. His recent performances for South Australia, Australia A, and Durham highlight his capability, including seven five-wicket hauls. “I don’t know how ready you can be for Test cricket,” Doggett admitted. “But the last 18 months to two years for me has easily been the most successful I’ve been.”
Scott Boland, who made a seamless transition to Test cricket after a decade in first-class cricket, serves as an inspiration for Doggett. Boland expressed confidence in Doggett’s skills, noting, “He’s a fast outswing bowler, and he’s someone who can bowl really long spells. Bowls a lot of overs when he’s playing for South Australia.”
Cultural Significance
Beyond the cricketing implications, Doggett’s debut holds cultural significance. He and Boland, both of Indigenous heritage, will represent a significant milestone for Australian cricket. In 2018, they opened the bowling together for an Aboriginal XI, celebrating the 150th anniversary of an Indigenous tour to England. On Friday, they will make history as two Indigenous players in the same Australian men’s Test XI.
“It’ll obviously be really special for him and his family and the Australian Indigenous community,” Boland said. “I think this gives a real pathway. They can see that there’s two guys playing, and hopefully they want to take that step into playing cricket.”
As the cricket world watches, Doggett’s debut will not only test Australia’s bowling depth but also celebrate a significant cultural moment. The match in Perth promises to be a pivotal chapter in the evolving narrative of Australian cricket.
