Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett: Indigenous history in Ashes opener
Fast bowler Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett are poised to become the first Indigenous cricketers to play in the same Australia men’s Test side. With Josh Hazlewood out and Pat Cummins sidelined by injury, the Australia XI for the Ashes opener in Perth could feature two Indigenous players in the same team for the first time.
Only two Indigenous men have previously represented Australia in Tests—fast bowler Jason Gillespie and Boland. If selected, Doggett would join that exclusive club, tracing his Indigenous heritage on his mother’s side to the Worimi people from around Newcastle.
Boland expressed hope that Doggett will receive the nod, describing the potential selection as “really special for him and his family, and the Australian Indigenous community.”
“Hopefully Brendan does get the nod and that happens,” Boland said on Monday about the prospect of two Indigenous players being selected in the same Australia side. “It’ll obviously be really special for him and his family, and the Australian Indigenous community.”
The context surrounding the selection includes expectations that the two Indigenous players could inspire a new generation of Indigenous cricketers, as the Ashes series begins in Perth on 21 November.
Author’s note: This piece summarizes the anticipated historic selection and its significance for Indigenous representation in Australian cricket, reflecting the optimism and heritage acknowledged by Boland and supporters.
Author’s summary (120–200 characters): The piece highlights Boland and Doggett's potential historic selection as the first Indigenous pair in a single Australia Test side, hoping to inspire a new generation.