- June 16, 2025
Just when Brendan Doggett’s Test dream appeared tangible, a frustrating hip injury slammed on the brakes. The fast bowler, coming off a remarkable Sheffield Shield final where he took 11 wickets in total, was all but guaranteed to secure his Baggy Green during the upcoming West Indies series, when cricket karma intervened. Doggett will now head home nursing a “minor” injury, and Sean Abbott, another perennial next in line, will be getting the tap on the shoulder.
For Australian supporters, this news is another example of bittersweet déjà vu—a talented quick with a Test opportunity lost, and another opportunity arises for someone who’s waited long enough.
Abbott: The Unluckiest Uncapped Aussie?
Let’s face it, Sean Abbott could be mistaken for “always the bridesmaid.” He’s had so many chances to play for the Test team that even the most dedicated of cricket watchers have lost count. He’s been on tours to Sri Lanka and India, but has never made the final cut. He’s back in the squad, but let’s hope it doesn’t just turn into a holiday with the boys.
As Abbott has shown in domestic cricket, he’s no “next best” option. His all-around skill set is tempting enough on its merit, but also becomes incredibly useful on unpredictable Caribbean pitches. With Doggett unavailable, the time has finally come for Abbott to trade the sub vest for the Baggy Green, and frankly, a lot of Aussie fans wouldn’t mind seeing a long overdue running start.
The Spin Factor & Squad Strategy
The flexibility of Australia’s squad could be significant this tour. With chatter around spin-friendly Caribbean conditions, there is a good chance the attack could change. Nathan Lyon is a definite, but left-armer Matt Kuhnemann has been mentioned as a potential spin partner on turning surfaces.
This change could reshape the responsibilities within the fast-bowling unit. If they decide to carry two spinners and only two frontline pace bowlers, then the shuffling of Mitchell Abbott’s inclusion becomes a tactical puzzle. If they include Beau Webster, who bowls medium pace and offers batting depth, this becomes an interesting puzzle for selectors.
Also, with no Test matches played in the Caribbean since 2016, there will be a degree of guesswork here. As coach Andrew McDonald noted, “We haven’t been there for a long time.” Which is code for: expect the unexpected.
Smith’s Finger and the Butterfly Effect
And when you thought the squad news ended there, here is Steven Smith, with his shattered finger! The veteran is still in recovery, wearing a splint, after suffering a serious compound dislocation at Lord’s. He has avoided surgery, but it is still unclear if he will be available for the first Test.
If Smith is unavailable, there are wider ramifications – opened up options in the middle-order but sacrifices Australia’s strength amongst batters. Suddenly, the series opener in Barbados feels less of a warm-up and more of a wild card!
Doggett’s injury is unfortunate, and it reminds all of us of how quickly fortunes can change in cricket. Abbott now has another opportunity to break the Test barrier, and Australia will now have to consider both player fitness and new Caribbean conditions.
As the date of June 25 approaches, one question remains: Is this the series where Sean Abbott will finally experience his Baggy Green moment, or will fate require him to wait just that bit longer?
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