Doggett set for Ashes debut as Hazlewood ruled out

Brendan Doggett is set to make his much-anticipated Test debut in the opening Ashes Test at Perth’s Optus Stadium, a milestone moment that comes amid a flurry of injury woes in the Australian pace attack. With star bowlers Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins sidelined, Doggett, at 31, will become the 472nd cricketer to wear the revered Baggy Green and only the third Indigenous Australian Test player, joining Scott Boland and Jason Gillespie in a landmark moment for representation in the sport.

Doggett’s Journey: From Carpenter to Ashes Contender

Doggett’s ascent to the international stage is a compelling story of perseverance and late blooming. Having battled injuries and worked his way up through domestic cricket, his move to South Australia revitalized his career, highlighted by a standout six-wicket haul in the 2024-25 Sheffield Shield season. Once a Toowoomba carpenter, his relentless work ethic and fitness earned praise from former Australia pacer and coach Jason Gillespie, who hailed Doggett as a “greyhound” with the pace and stamina to challenge England’s batsmen.

Injury Setbacks and Selection Dynamics

Hazlewood’s hamstring injury and Cummins’ ongoing recovery have thrust Doggett into the limelight, prompting selectors to turn to a bowler who brings a different style and sharp swing abilities. The inclusion of Michael Neser as cover speaks to the strain on Australia’s bowling resources, but Doggett’s recent exploits at Perth—a venue known to favor quick bowlers—have bolstered confidence in his readiness to deliver under pressure.

Historical and Cultural Significance

Doggett’s debut alongside Scott Boland will mark the first time two Indigenous players have appeared together in an Australian Test side, a milestone highlighting the gradual but essential progress in diversity within Australian cricket. His journey resonates not just as a sports achievement but as an inspiring narrative of overcoming adversity and expanding opportunities for underrepresented communities.

Looking Ahead to the Ashes Opener

As Australia prepares to face England without some of their usual frontline pacers, Doggett’s selection injects fresh intrigue and hope into the series opener on November 21, 2025. His blend of pace, skill, and determination will be crucial in a fiercely contested rivalry that now carries the added weight of history and symbolism.

This debut is more than just an individual milestone—it reflects cricket’s evolving landscape in Australia, where talent, resilience, and representation are carving new paths amid the grand tradition of the Ashes.