Doggett’s dominant Shield return fuels Ashes talk
Brendan Doggett produced a performance that has cricket observers circling Australia’s Ashes plans. In his first Sheffield Shield appearance of the season for South Australia, the pace bowler claimed 6 for 48 in the first innings and added 1 for 38 in the second, signaling that his rhythm and consistency are back after an injury-affected 2024-25 campaign. The performance not only underlined his pace and accuracy but also rekindled debate about how Australia should shape its pace attack for the first Test of the summer.
What the figures say
Six wickets in an innings is an emphatic statement in first-class cricket. Doggett’s sharp seam movement, bounce, and constant pressure created a succession of breakthroughs as South Australia pressed for a strong start to the season. The 31-year-old right-armer bowled with control, rarely overstepping his lines, and found yorkers and full deliveries that troubled the visiting batters. The match-day stats tell a simple tale: a bowler who exploited helpful conditions, attacked with the new ball, and varied his pace to keep the batsmen guessing.
The Ashes call-up landscape
Australia’s selection panel has a tricky balancing act ahead of the first Test. The pace department was already deep, with experienced campaigners and rising stars vying for spots. Doggett’s return to form arrives at a time when selectors are weighing the tangible benefits of swing, pace, and ability to handle challenging Australian conditions. A strong performance in Shield is often a convincing case for consideration, especially for a player used to preparing for high-pressure Test environments at the domestic level.
Why Doggett could fit the bill
Doggett has built a reputation as a reliable red-ball exponent who can swing the ball and hit lengths that trouble top-order batsmen. His accuracy and late movement make him a potentially valuable option for Australia when the ball is softly worn and England’s batters are looking to grind out results. Additionally, his history of stepping up in longer formats means he could bring an extra degree of resilience to the attack if required to bowl long spells in English conditions.
What this means for South Australia
For the Redbank Plains product and his state, the immediate focus is capitalizing on momentum. A dominant Shield return can open doors beyond the immediate Test series, including championship runs and potential leadership opportunities in high-stakes matches. The Commonwealth Bank/South Australian circuit often shapes Australia’s pace stocks, and Doggett’s performance will be measured not only by national selection chatter but also by how he follows up with continued wicket-taking spells and consistent line and length.
Next steps and expectations
As Australia weighs its options, Doggett’s 6-for-48 serves as a strong reminder that cricket at the top level rewards persistence and readiness. If selected for the first Test, he would enter with momentum and a clear plan to exploit any early seam movement and pitch conditions. If not chosen for the opener, the performance still raises the floor for his chances later in the series, given the ongoing necessity to rotate the attack and manage workloads across a demanding summer calendar.
Bottom line
Brendan Doggett’s six-wicket haul in his Shield return has put him firmly in the Ashes discussion. While selection remains contingent on broader factors, there is no doubt the performance has reminded Australia what he can deliver with the ball. The coming days will reveal whether the selectors act swiftly or opt for a measured approach, but the message from Doggett’s form is clear: he is ready to be part of Australia’s plans for the summer’s biggest red-ball challenge.
