Australian fast bowler Scott Boland has expressed his hope that fellow Indigenous cricketer Brendan Doggett will make history by becoming the third Indigenous men's player to represent Australia in Test cricket when the Ashes begin in Perth.
A Landmark Moment for Australian Cricket
The potential selection of both Boland and Doggett for the first Test would mark a significant moment in Australian sporting history. For the first time, two Indigenous cricketers could be named in the same Australian men's Test side, breaking new ground in a sport where representation has historically been limited.
Only two Indigenous men have previously played Test cricket for Australia – former fast bowler Jason Gillespie and current star Scott Boland, who has taken an impressive 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 across his 14 Tests. Doggett stands poised to join this exclusive group when the team is announced for the match beginning on 21 November.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Boland, a proud Gulidjan man, emphasised the broader significance of increased Indigenous representation in cricket. He noted that while Indigenous athletes are commonly seen in AFL and NRL teams, cricket has lagged behind in providing visible pathways for Indigenous communities.
"Hopefully Brendan does get the nod and that happens," Boland stated. "It'll obviously be really special for him and his family, and the Australian Indigenous community. I think it just gives kids a real pathway that they can see that there's two guys playing, then hopefully they want to take that step into playing cricket."
The 36-year-old highlighted how this historic selection could help shift participation trends and encourage more Indigenous youth to consider cricket as a viable sporting career.
Doggett's Journey to Test Contention
Brendan Doggett, whose Indigenous heritage connects to the Worimi people from the Newcastle area through his mother's side, has fought his way back into Test contention after overcoming significant injury challenges.
First included in an Australian Test squad back in 2018, the 31-year-old fast bowler has demonstrated remarkable resilience. His move to South Australia in 2021 proved transformative, culminating in a standout performance last season where he claimed 33 Sheffield Shield wickets, including 11 scalps in the final that helped break South Australia's 29-year title drought.
Boland praised his potential teammate's qualities, noting: "I think he brings a real skill. He's a fast outswing bowler and he's someone who can bowl really long spells. He's someone who's tremendously fit and, if he gets the nod, it'll be exciting to see him play."
The opportunity arises due to injuries to key bowlers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, creating openings in Australia's pace attack that could see both Indigenous bowlers feature together.
Both players share a connection to Indigenous cricket history, having been part of an Aboriginal XI touring party that commemorated the 150th anniversary of the 1868 Indigenous side that toured England – the first Australian sporting squad of any kind to represent the nation overseas.
While Gillespie blazed the trail as the first Indigenous men's Test cricketer in 1996, and Faith Thomas became the first Indigenous Test player for Australia when she represented the women's side in 1958, this potential dual selection represents another important step forward for diversity in Australian cricket.
