Doggett’s dominant Shield return fuels Ashes talk
Brendan Doggett delivered a performance that would turn heads even in a crowded selection room. In his first Sheffield Shield outing of the season for South Australia, the fast bowler ripped through the opposition, taking 6 for 48 and adding 1 for 38 with the bat in a display that reminded selectors of his potential impact in Australia’s Test set-up. The bowler’s guile, pace and consistency provided a timely reminder that the pool of fast bowlers available for the Ashes is still very much in play as the series looms.
What the six-wicket haul signals to Australia
Doggett’s line and length carved through the batting order, reducing a Shield clash to a one-man show at times. The performance carried with it several practical messages for the national selectors: the ability to bowl long spells, the knack for extracting movement in helpful conditions, and the temperament to stay economical while pressing for wickets. In a season where injuries and form have reshaped the Australian fast-bowling stocks, a 6-wicket bag suggests Doggett can be trusted to deliver when called upon, especially in swing-friendly venues.
Consistency and readiness
Six for 48 is not just a standout stat line; it’s a signal that Doggett is ready to step up when required. He later added another scalp for 38 with the ball, showing resilience and the ability to perform under pressure. For a squad chasing a balanced pace attack that can handle the grind of four-Test tours, Doggett’s performance demonstrates the kind of ready-to-call-on form that helps selectors sleep easier in the days leading to a squad announcement.
Where this leaves the Ashes selection conversation
Australia’s pace corps has been a moving target in recent seasons. With entrenched incumbents, emerging talents, and the constant risk of niggles, selectors often weigh both current form and the potential upside of untested players. Doggett’s return to form comes at a critical time, offering a reminder that the domestic circuit remains a fertile proving ground for those who can translate Shield conditions into Test-ready skill. If the national selectors decide to diversify their options or shield a lead bowler with a cushioned schedule, Doggett’s performance gives him a compelling case to be named in or around the Ashes squad for the first Test.
What changes the call?
Several factors will influence a final decision. Fitness and match fitness strongly affect fast bowlers, particularly when back-to-back Tests and travel are involved. The ability to bat a little, a bonus that Doggett demonstrated with his 1 for 38, also matters since teams value bowlers who can contribute with the bat if required. Additionally, the form of other contenders in the domestic circuit will shape the perception of Doggett’s consistency and potential impact in English conditions, where movement off the pitch and in-swing can decide tight games.
Beyond the Ashes: what a call would mean for Doggett
Beyond the national team, such a recall would be a significant milestone in Doggett’s career. It would signal trust from the selectors in his ability to perform on the world stage and could open doors to further opportunities in the Test arena. For fans of South Australia and the broader Shield competition, it would underscore the value of domestic cricket as a pathway to international honours.
Looking ahead
As Australia contemplates its pace options, players like Doggett will be assessed not just on one performances, but on sustained form across the early season fixtures. A near-miss or a confirmed call would likely hinge on the next few Shield matches and how the team balance pans out with the risk and reward of integrating a back-up fast bowler into the Ashes setup. For now, Doggett’s six-wicket haul has left him waiting, but not for long—his Ashes call could come at any moment as selectors weigh up the best mix to conquer England with pace, accuracy and resilience.
