From back-to-back Sheffield Shield titles to an Australian Test debut, the past few years have marked an extraordinary rise for South Australia’s Brendan Doggett. The fast bowler joined Kym Dillon and Chad Cornes in the SEN studio to reflect on the journey that has transformed his career, discussing the impact of his move to South Australia and the experience of pulling on the Baggy Green for the first time last November.
Representing Australia
Representing Australia in the Ashes was something that Brendan Doggett thought might never happen. So when he made his Test debut against England at the age of 31, it was a cumulation of years of hard work and perseverance.
“I was playing country cricket up until the age of 21, working as a carpenter, so it all happened for me pretty late. I never made my debut for Queensland until I was 23.” Doggett said.
A hamstring injury early in the domestic season threatened to derail his chances, but strong performances in two Sheffield Shield matches for South Australia earned him a place in Australia's squad.
“I was a bit nervous that it was going to keep me out, it's going to hurt my chances. But fortunately I got in two Shield games and went pretty well with those.”
When the call finally came, everything moved quickly.
"It all happened pretty quickly," Doggett said.
“[The night before] I slept like a baby. But the moment I woke up, I opened the curtains and there was Optus Stadium straight out the window, and I thought,
WOW, ok.”
Debuting on Cricket's Biggest Stage
The significance of the occasion was something that Doggett said he will never forget.
“It was an absolute dream come true to debut during the Ashes.“
But as the morning wore on, the nerves set in and lingered through game time.
“I was sitting at the top of my mark and the first thought that went through my head when I started running in was “Jeez, I hope this lands on the wicket”
“Fortunately, my first ball was probably the best ball I bowled in my test career.” he laughed.
Doggett went on to play in the opening two Ashes Tests, claiming seven wickets across the matches in Perth and Brisbane.
Finding Success in South Australia
Doggett credits his move from Queensland to South Australia as one of the best decisions of his career.
Arriving in 2024 with the goal of helping SA break its Sheffield Shield drought, Doggett quickly became a central figure in the South Australian team, producing a record-breaking performance in the Shield Final taking 11 wickets.
“The move has been the best thing I've ever done,” he said.
"The whole goal was to try and bring some success back to South Australian cricket, build strong culture and try and win a shield. Two seasons ago we were fortunate enough to do that at Karen Rolton, and the scenes were amazing.”
While injury prevented him from playing in South Australia's recent back-to-back Shield victory, Doggett said the achievement was still special after helping build the culture that has driven the team's resurgence.
Still Hungry for More
Despite making his Test debut later than most, Doggett believes his pathway has worked in his favour. He feels strong physically and remains determined to push for more opportunities in Australia's star-studded pace attack alongside Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Scott Boland.
“I’m very lucky to be able to try and compete with these guys, they’re going to go down as the best group to ever do it.”
And with a huge international summer approaching, he will be ready if another opportunity arrives.
“To play anytime for Australia would be great”.
Australia will play New Zealand in the Second Test at Adelaide Oval from December 17–21, as part of the four-Test series.
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