From Woodwork to Wickets: Doggett’s Journey to Ashes Debut

Brendan Doggett, a qualified carpenter turned cricketer, has dedicated years to establishing his name in Australian domestic cricket. Now, he’s setting his sights on a Test bowling career with hopes of making his debut in the Ashes.

Doggett, who worked on construction sites while remaining on the outskirts of the Test squad, is now poised to seize the opportunity provided by recent injuries, aiming to distinguish himself in the series-opener against England in Perth on Friday at the age of 31.

Anticipated to join Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland in an unexpected Australian pace attack, Doggett reflects on his journey. “I’m not sure how ready you can be for Test cricket,” he shared with reporters in Perth. “However, the last 18 months to two years have undoubtedly been my most successful period, not just in terms of wickets but also in my confidence with my game and my body.”

### County Cricket and Construction Work

Doggett has been inundated with messages from fellow “tradies” he used to work with in carpentry in Toowoomba, Queensland, as he balanced his cricket ambitions. “Playing country cricket and working as a carpenter was my dream,” he commented. “I would go back to Toowoomba, put on the nail bag, and continue building houses. I cherished that life. This is just an additional bonus.”

If selected, Doggett will become the third Indigenous Australian to play Test cricket, following in the footsteps of fellow pace bowler Scott Boland and mentor Jason Gillespie, former South Australia coach.

Boland’s memorable Test debut against England during the 2021/22 Ashes in Australia is now legendary. He captured seven wickets in the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and 6-7 in the second innings, leading to England’s significant defeat and Australia’s retention of the urn.

While Indigenous athletes are well-represented in Australian Rules football and the National Rugby League, their presence is less common in elite cricket.

Boland noted the significance of him and Doggett playing together, stating, “It’ll be exceptionally special for him, his family, and the Australian Indigenous community. Cricket doesn’t have the same prominence in Indigenous communities as AFL and rugby league, so this could help shift that dynamic.”

Published on Nov 17, 2025.