Brendan Doggett Poised for Ashes Test Debut

Post by : Mara Rahim

Brendan Doggett has worked diligently in Australian domestic cricket for years, steadily carving out his reputation. His inspiring narrative is made even more remarkable by his previous career as a carpenter, a role he juggled with his aspiration of playing Test cricket. At 31, Doggett finds himself on the brink of making his Test debut for Australia in the Ashes series against England, a significant milestone for someone who spent years laboring on construction sites.

Often overlooked, Doggett has been on the fringes of the Test squad, wishing for a chance that seemed out of reach. However, recent injuries within the Australian fast-bowling lineup have opened the door for him. Expected to partner with Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland in the pace attack for the initial Test in Perth, Doggett is aware that this opportunity felt distant not too long ago. Yet, he may soon step onto the pitch as one of Australia’s Test bowlers in this iconic series.

In discussions with reporters in Perth, Doggett expressed that it is challenging to feel entirely “ready” for Test cricket given its high stakes. Yet, he acknowledges that the last 18 to 24 months have marked the most successful stretch of his career, where he has secured a higher wicket tally, maintained his physical fitness, and gained confidence in his bowling prowess. These developments come at a pivotal moment, enabling him to seize this awaited chance.

Reflecting on his past, Doggett led a contrasting life. As a carpenter in the Queensland town of Toowoomba, he often balanced his work with playing country cricket and training whenever feasible. Messages of encouragement from friends in his former life, fellow tradies on construction sites, have been pouring in. For Doggett, the life he imagined was straightforward: play country cricket, work as a carpenter, and relish that existence. He mentioned his affection for donning the tool belt and contributing to building homes, considering all that has unfolded since as a remarkable gift.

If Doggett participates in the Ashes Test, he will make history as only the third Indigenous Australian to compete in Test cricket, joining the ranks of pace bowler Scott Boland and former fast bowler Jason Gillespie, who has been a guiding figure for him. Boland’s memorable Test debut against England in the 2021/22 Ashes, where he claimed seven wickets in the Boxing Day Test, serves as a hopeful augury for Doggett.

Indigenous Australian athletes shine brightly in sports like Australian Rules football (AFL) and the National Rugby League, yet fewer reach the pinnacle of cricket. Boland remarked on the significance of having both him and Doggett in the same Test XI, wishing it would inspire young Indigenous players to pursue cricket and believe in their potential.

Despite the significant opportunity waiting for him, Doggett remains grounded. He fondly recalls a time when cricket was simply a distant aspiration and carpentry was his mainstay profession. Approaching a potential Test debut, he counts himself lucky. “This is all just a bonus,” he remarked, recognizing that few players earn such an opportunity after taking an unconventional path.

Brendan Doggett’s journey epitomizes diligence, patience, and faith. Transitioning from building homes in Toowoomba to potentially debuting in the Ashes, his story illustrates the unpredictability of life. Should he take the field in Perth, it will be a triumphant moment for Australian cricket, Indigenous communities, and all who have supported him throughout this journey. Regardless of the outcomes, be it wickets taken or simply savoring the experience, Doggett has undeniably accomplished something remarkable.