Australia’s Test cricket history spans nearly 150 years, yet only two Indigenous cricketers have played at the highest level. Now, fast bowler Brendan Doggett is on the verge of becoming the third.
So far, 471 players have represented Australia in Test cricket. Among them, just two names—Jason Gillespie and Scott Boland—stand out as Indigenous representatives. Doggett is set to join that exclusive list, and Gillespie is thrilled to see another Indigenous fast bowler on the brink of a Test debut.
Doggett’s opportunity has come mainly because Josh Hazlewood has been sidelined with an injury. If everything goes as planned, Doggett will receive his Baggy Green this Friday in Perth on the opening day of the Ashes, becoming Australia’s 472nd Test cricketer.
That will also make him only the third Indigenous player in Australia’s long Test history—and all three happen to be fast bowlers. With Boland locked into the XI, the Perth Test could mark the first time two Indigenous cricketers appear together in an Australian Test side.
Doggett has drawn attention not only because of his heritage but also due to his consistent performances. He has long been a standout in domestic cricket. He first earned a place in Australia’s Test squad back in 2018 and has frequently been included over the past year, though he is yet to play a match. That long wait now seems close to ending.
In first-class cricket, he has taken 190 wickets in 50 matches. After his domestic success, he impressed for Australia A as well—most notably taking 6 for 15 last year against India A, dismantling their batting lineup. Ahead of his Ashes call-up this season, he also took 13 wickets in two Sheffield Shield matches for South Australia.
All things considered, the 31-year-old pacer looks fully ready for Test cricket—at least in the eyes of Gillespie. With both Hazlewood and Pat Cummins unavailable due to injury, Australia will not have their strongest pace attack in Perth. But Gillespie told ABC Radio that the team still has plenty of firepower.
“He’s one of Australia’s quickest bowlers. He’s got incredible drive—he’s like a greyhound, unbelievably fit. He’s completely ready.”
“England might think they have an opening (with Cummins and Hazlewood missing), but I believe this Australian pace attack is more than capable of getting the job done.”
Doggett’s journey to Test cricket has been remarkable. Unlike most players, he did not come through traditional age-group or representative pathways.
Before the age of 22, he had never played for any national or state youth team. He was still playing club cricket across different regions. After impressing in various local competitions, he earned a rookie contract with Queensland at 22 and made his first-class debut the following year. He later moved to South Australia, where his performances reached a new level.
Gillespie, who coached South Australia during that time, saw Doggett’s rise up close. He believes Doggett’s unconventional path will inspire many others.
“The road he’s taken toward potentially earning the Baggy Green is something you rarely see in modern cricket. It highlights the importance of our local competitions and shows that even outside the traditional pathways, you can sharpen your craft and make it to the top.”
