Doggett ready to shine in Test cricket: Kasprowicz
Joel Gould |
Former Test quick Michael Kasprowicz insists fast bowler Brendan Doggett is ready to make an immediate impact in the Ashes for Australia if he is called upon.
Kasprowicz is not concerned about the age profile of the current Test fast bowling attack and said there was enough quality in the Sheffield Shield to provide a successful transition beyond Mitchell Starc (35), Josh Hazlewood (34), Scott Boland (36) and injured skipper Pat Cummins (32).
Doggett, named in the 15-man squad for the first Test in Perth, is 31 himself but has the pedigree and form to be next cab off the rank.
The Rockhampton-born speedster’s 11 wickets in last season’s Sheffield Shield final for South Australia showcased his big occasion credentials as he finished with 33 wickets for the summer.
After recovering from a hamstring injury that delayed his participation this season, he snared 6-48 at the WACA in his one Shield display.
Doggett will play for South Australia against Tasmania at Bellerive Oval, starting on Monday.
“Not only is he an athlete, but he has pace and makes it look easy. And he keeps coming, which you have to do in Test cricket,” Kasprowicz said.
“I think it comes with experience too, and of course Brendan Doggett is a Queenslander.
“He took the opportunity to go to South Australia. I know the opportunity to be close to Jason Gillespie was the inspiration for him to go down there. It was a big move for him, but we’ve certainly seen the benefit of it.
“At South Australia he has done really well and been part of the Australian squad for a number of years.”
Kasprowicz said he held no fears the next era of fast bowlers had been stymied by a lack of Test opportunities.
“I’m not (concerned) because I just know that the Shield competition is the best in the world,” Kasprowicz said.
“That gives me confidence that talent is going to see its way through.”
“The key is to stand out from the crowd by doing well in domestic cricket. There’s the opportunity right now to stand out.”
Queensland fast bowler Xavier Bartlett, just 26, is in the ODI and T20 sides for Australia where he has made an immediate impact.
Legends Adam Gilchrist and Mark Waugh both said on Fox Cricket commentary Bartlett was unfortunate not to be named in the Ashes squad and believe he is ready for Test cricket.
Kasprowicz is also a fan of the Queensland Bulls paceman.
“I’ve really loved watching Xavier coming through as a young fella in the squad. Andy Bichel, a good mate of mine, is actually the (Bulls) bowling coach and has seen him along the way,” he said.
“It just continues the great path of Queensland with this fast bowling theme we’ve had. I know when I first came into the side there was Carl Rackemann and Craig McDermott and Jeff Thomson was our coach.
“Seeing it now where someone like Xavier Bartlett can come into the Australian side – and of course Michael Neser is there as well – just shows the talent that’s there.”
AAP
