Doggett Dominates as Ashes Hopefuls Struggle in Sheffield Shield Clash
It was quite a day in the Sheffield Shield, with South Australian paceman Brendan Doggett stealing the spotlight while a few Ashes hopefuls failed to impress. Doggett, who’s already in Australia’s 15-man squad for the upcoming Ashes, showcased exactly why he’s on the selectors’ radar. He delivered a brilliant spell of seam bowling on a lively Bellerive Oval pitch, finishing with 5 for 66 and helping South Australia dismiss Tasmania for just 209 runs .
Now, coming into this match, all eyes were actually on Tasmania’s Jake Weatherald and Beau Webster , both of whom were hoping to lock down their spots for the Ashes opener in Perth. But neither of them managed to make a big statement. Weatherald started well, showing some positive intent with a couple of crisp boundaries, but his innings ended abruptly on 23 after chopping one onto his stumps. Webster didn’t last long either—he looked in good touch with a strong pull shot for four, only to edge a hook attempt to the keeper Alex Carey for 13 .
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These performances didn’t exactly strengthen their cases for selection. Weatherald is still seen as a potential opening partner for Usman Khawaja , but with his modest returns, selectors might instead push Marnus Labuschagne up the order. If that happens, Webster could keep his No.6 spot, while Cameron Green would likely slot in at No.3.
While Tasmania’s batting faltered, skipper Jordan Silk was one of the few bright spots. He notched up his 6000th Shield run during a solid innings of 64 , playing some delightful strokes through the off side. But Doggett eventually got the better of him too, with a delivery that moved off the seam and took a sharp catch from Carey behind the stumps. From there, Doggett ran through the lower order, collecting his second five-wicket haul of the season .
By stumps, South Australia were 3 for 88 , with Alex Carey unbeaten on a quickfire 25 off 20 balls , and Henry Hunt steady on 34 not out . Skipper Travis Head managed just nine before falling to Webster—though his reaction suggested he might not have agreed with the decision.
Meanwhile, elsewhere in Shield action, Mitchell Starc made a strong return for New South Wales, taking four wickets against Victoria—another timely reminder of his threat ahead of the Ashes.
So, while Doggett’s form is clearly peaking at just the right time, the same can’t be said for Weatherald and Webster, who might now find their Ashes dreams hanging by a thread. As the first Test in Perth draws closer, the selectors have some tough choices ahead—especially with form and fitness both coming sharply into focus.
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