Australia handed Test debuts to fast bowler Brendan Doggett and opening batter Jake Weatherald in the opening Ashes Test at Perth Stadium on Friday, marking a historic moment for the national team. For the first time, Australia fielded two Indigenous cricketers—Doggett and fellow pacer Scott Boland—in the same Test XI.
Doggett, a right-arm fast-medium bowler, has been on the fringes of Test selection over the past year, featuring in squads during India’s tour of Australia and the World Test Championship final against South Africa. His opportunity arrived with Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood unavailable due to injuries. Notably, Doggett is the first Australian pacer to make his Test debut since Boland’s sensational entry during the 2021-22 Ashes.
He becomes only the third Indigenous man to play Test cricket for Australia, after Boland and former pacer Jason Gillespie.
A Rise Backed by Red-Ball Performance
After moving from Queensland to South Australia, Doggett has seen remarkable improvement in his red-ball numbers—taking 110 wickets at 24.5 for SA, a significant upgrade from his earlier returns.
His form this season in the Sheffield Shield has been exceptional. He has claimed 78 wickets in 15 matches at an average of 21.7 and an impressive strike-rate of 38.1. Among the 18 bowlers with over 50 wickets during this period, only Scott Boland (37.5) has a better strike-rate.
Doggett remains relatively new to most England batters; only Jacob Bethell (in a BBL match) and Josh Tongue (in an England Lions vs Australia A fixture) have faced him previously.
Weatherald Earns His Baggy Green
Opening batter Jake Weatherald also marked his maiden Test appearance, partnering experienced opener Usman Khawaja. Weatherald entered the match with 5,322 runs in 77 first-class games at an average of 37.47, which includes 13 centuries and a career-best score of 198. His consistent domestic performances earned him a long-awaited call-up.
Australia’s XI for the Ashes Opener
Usman Khawaja, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith (c), Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Brendan Doggett, Scott Boland
Discussion about this post