Australian cricket is on the verge of a historic breakthrough this Friday in Perth, as the opening Ashes Test against England could see the nation field its first-ever Indigenous duo in the 147-year history of Test cricket.
A Landmark Selection on the Horizon
The stage is set for this significant moment after injuries struck the Australian camp. Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out with a hamstring strain, and skipper Pat Cummins is missing due to a back complaint. This has opened the door for South Australian quick Brendan Doggett to earn his debut cap. If selected, the proud Worimi man will join fellow Indigenous fast bowler Scott Boland, creating a powerful and symbolic partnership for Australia.
To date, only two Indigenous players have represented Australia in Test cricket: the champion paceman Jason Gillespie, who was the first, and Scott Boland, who famously debuted in 2021. However, their careers did not overlap, with Gillespie's final Test played back in 2006.
Boland Hails Potential for Inspiring a New Generation
Scott Boland, a Gulidjan man, expressed his excitement about the potential pairing, emphasising the profound impact it could have on the sport's reach within Indigenous communities.
"Hopefully, Brendan does get the nod and that happens," Boland said on Monday. "It will obviously be really special for him and his family and the Australian Indigenous community."
He highlighted the importance of visible pathways for young First Nations athletes. "I think it just gives kids a real pathway. They can see two guys playing. You watch AFL or you watch NRL, there are numerous guys playing in the same team or playing for Australia, and there’s a real pathway. Cricket’s not as big in the Indigenous community as what AFL and League is, so hopefully we can try and shift it there."
A Partnership Forged on Past Tours
The potential pairing is not a new combination. Boland and Doggett have a history, having opened the bowling together on the 2018 Aboriginal XI tour of England. That tour commemorated the 150th anniversary of the pioneering 1868 Aboriginal cricket team's tour of the UK.
Boland spoke highly of his prospective new-ball partner, stating, "I think he brings real skill. He's a fast, outswing bowler, and he’s someone who can bowl real long spells. He’s tremendously fit, and if he gets the nod, it’ll be exciting to see him play."
Doggett's readiness for the highest level has been endorsed by none other than Jason Gillespie, who coached him at South Australia. Gillespie praised Doggett as "one of the quicker bowlers in Australia" with a strong motor, highlighting his unconventional path to a potential Baggy Green as a testament to the value of local competitions.
While Queenslander Michael Neser has been added to the squad as cover, the focus remains on the potential for a landmark moment in Perth that would resonate far beyond the boundary rope.
