As the Ashes beckon, South Australian quick Brendan Doggett stands poised to answer the call if further reinforcements are required. After a frustrating period riddled with injuries, Doggett’s stellar domestic performances and marked physical and tactical maturity have reignited his career, making him a genuine contender for Test selection once again.
Form and Fitness: A Career Resurgence
Doggett’s recent trajectory reflects a player entering the prime window of his fast-bowling career. Having battled injury setbacks over the past five to six years, the 30-year-old’s body has evidently adapted to the rigours of sustained fast bowling. He bowled a mammoth 236.4 overs across eight Sheffield Shield matches in the last Australian summer—the most he has ever delivered in a single first-class season since his debut in 2017-18[1].
Such stamina and workload management have had a direct impact on his effectiveness. Doggett has claimed 65 wickets at an impressive average of 22.55 over the last two seasons. His highlight came in a standout performance against India A in Mackay, where he took a career-best 6 for 15, a performance that propelled him back into the national Test squad as cover for Josh Hazlewood during the India series earlier this year[1][2].
This peak earned him the rare honour of being the first choice call-up for the Test squad since his surprise inclusion on the UAE tour in 2018, demonstrating his persistence and growth as a frontline fast bowler.
Tactical Strengths: Skillset That Delivers
Doggett’s bowling style is built around disciplined seam bowling with consistent length and smart use of the crease. He combines natural pace with the ability to extract movement off the pitch—a characteristic that has served him well in Australia’s often pace-friendly conditions.
Crucially, Doggett’s ability to maintain intensity over long spells has improved markedly. His endurance stems not only from physical conditioning but also from a tactical understanding of bowling phases, enabling him to set up batsmen with probing lines before delivering the wicket-taking ball. His breakthrough hauls—such as the 5-101 in the 2017-18 Sheffield Shield final and similar decisive spells—underscore his ability to perform under pressure[2].
Having transitioned from Queensland to South Australia, Doggett has flourished under new coaching, embracing a leadership role within the bowling unit. This adaptability and resilience highlight his readiness to be an impactful squad member on the international stage[3].
Head-to-Head and Historical Context
While Doggett’s international experience remains limited—he has yet to make his Test debut—his domestic performances against strong domestic line-ups and touring A sides place him well in contention. Australia’s fast-bowling stocks have been tested recently with injuries to senior pacemen, increasing the demand for reliable backup bowlers.
Historically, Doggett has proven his mettle in critical matches, namely his multiple Sheffield Shield finals where he produced match-winning spells. His move to South Australia and subsequent performances have cemented his reputation as a dependable spearhead in first-class cricket[2][4].
Key Players Around Doggett and Team Impact
Doggett’s elevation to the Test squad adds valuable depth to Australia’s pace attack alongside established names like Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Michael Neser. His youthfulness relative to the veterans brings energy and fresh competition, pushing the frontline pacers to maintain peak performance.
In domestic cricket, alongside fellow bowlers and close friends such as Nathan McSweeney, Doggett’s presence provides South Australia with both experience and aggression. His ability to bowl long spells enables captains to strategize rotation of bowlers efficiently, maintaining pressure on opposition batting line-ups.
If called upon during the Ashes, Doggett could be utilised in tandem with the strike bowlers to exploit the traditionally bowler-friendly English conditions—where sustained effort and seam movement are critical. His improved fitness and recent form suggest readiness to handle the physical and mental demands of Test cricket.
Looking Ahead: Impact on the Ashes Campaign
The Ashes series demands bowlers who combine skill with resilience. Doggett’s profile fits this mould given his recent performances and managing of workload. While he may start as cover, his ability to make strikes and sustain pressure means he could soon feature on the field.
His journey from injury setbacks to a career revival offers inspiration and reflects the depth of Australian pace bowling resources. Should injuries strike the current frontline, Doggett’s readiness ensures Australia will have a capable replacement who has proven himself in high-stakes domestic matches.
Brendan Doggett’s blend of stamina, skill, and sharp recent performances make him a vital piece in Australia’s cricket puzzle as they brace for the Ashes. Fans and selectors alike will be watching closely as he aims to translate his Sheffield Shield form onto the international stage, ready to step up when the ultimate cricket battle calls.
Source: www.espncricinfo.com