Brendan Doggett’s comeback sets the stage for an Ashes bid
Brendan Doggett’s return to competitive cricket with a wicket-laden Sheffield Shield display has put him on the radar of Australia’s selectors as they finalize the Ashes squad. The South Australia quick has spent the past 12 months around the national Test group, soaking up experience and waiting for a chance to prove his form and fitness on the field. His latest shielding performance could be the marker that tilts the balance in his favour as the selection window narrows.
What makes the comeback compelling
Doggett’s Sheffield Shield resurgence is built on firm, disciplined bowling. After battling through injuries and a period away from regular red-ball cricket, he returned with a series of quality spells, routinely hitting the right pace and line to trouble top-order batsmen. In a competition where pace and consistency win matches, Doggett has demonstrated both the wicket-taking threat and the stamina required for five-day cricket.
Key strengths in the frame
His swing bowling at the top of the innings, combined with a well-executed yorker at the death, provides Australia with an option to rotate pace. The selectors typically weigh his ability to bat a bit—an underrated asset for a domestic quick—as well as fielding prowess, which matters when rotating bowlers in tight Test schedules. With several incumbent quicks in the mix, Doggett’s best path to selection is a sustained period of pressure-building performances that translate into a few impactful spells per game.
The pathway to the Ashes squad
Cricket Australia’s selectors have shown a preference for players who can deliver consistency under pressure, adapt to different pitch conditions, and contribute in multiple facets of the game. Doggett’s return to form plays into this blueprint. A string of healthy, match-ready spells could push him ahead of peers who may have had similar domestic seasons but don’t carry the same recent impact. The discipline with which he has managed his workload during the Shield season will be scrutinized just as closely as his wicket tallies.
Competition and context
In the current pool, several pace options are vying for spots, each bringing distinct strengths—reverse swing, pace through the air, or seam movement. Doggett’s case rests on showing he can deliver consistent lines and lengths over long spells, while still maintaining the wicket-taking pressure that can disrupt opposition plans. Beyond raw numbers, selectors consider leadership, bowling plans on different tracks, and the ability to contribute with the bat when required.
What a selection would mean for Doggett
earning an Ashes call would be a significant milestone for a bowler who has long been within reach of Australia’s Test arena but has faced the fine margins and timing that define national selection. For Doggett, this is not merely about donning the baggy green; it’s about proving he can deliver under the unique pressures of Test cricket, adapt to high-stakes series, and add depth to a fast-bowling unit that often bears the weight of Australia’s pace responsibilities.
Fan and analyst perspective
Analysts note that a strong Shield performance late in the season can be the difference-maker for a spinner or a fast bowler alike. For Doggett, the narrative is clear: stay ready, stay accurate, and let the numbers and the feel of the game do the talking. If he keeps taking wickets and shows he can handle the longer format’s demands, an Ashes squad call could arrive when least expected, but most deserved.
Bottom line
As Australia weighs its Ashes options, Brendan Doggett’s comeback has given selectors a genuine talking point. The coming weeks will determine whether his wicket-rich form in the Shield translates into Test cricket opportunities, but for now the SA quick remains focused on consistency, fitness, and readiness: “I’ll be ready.”
