with The Ashes 2025-26 Anticipations for the clash, which begins in Perth on Friday, have reached fever pitch as Australia and England prepare to face off in one of cricket’s most talked-about rivalries. The preparation for the first Test has been dominated by discussion over team combinations and tactical decisions – particularly for Australia, who are fielding little new pace attack due to injuries.
One of the points of discussion is selection Brendan DoggettWho is ready to make his test debut. And now, Australia’s great former fast bowler brett lee Consideration has been given to who he believes should take the new ball Mitchell Starc,
Brett Lee on who should open the bowling for Australia
Lee, one of Australia’s most dangerous fast bowlers in the 2000s, has extended his support to Doggett, who took the new ball for the first time. His comments came after the acting captain steve smith Refused to clarify whether Doggett or Scott Boland Will share the responsibility of the new ball with Starc in the initial test. Lee believes that handing the ball to Doggett early on could actually help calm his initial jitters.
“Maybe that’s the best thing for their nerves. If they lose the toss tomorrow and have to bowl first, Steve Smith can say, ‘Okay mate, you don’t have time to worry. Take the brand new ball and shape some away,'” Lee said during Fox Cricket programme.
Doggett, a natural outswing bowler, has traditionally opened the bowling for South Australia in the Sheffield Shield. While Boland has also played the new-ball role for Victoria, he has largely excelled as a first-change bowler in Test cricket, returning an astonishing 62 wickets at 16.53 from his 14 Test matches.
According to Lee, giving Doggett responsibility right from the start could speed up his transition to Test cricket. he insisted: “It’s not like he’s been selected out of the blue. He’s been in the team for a long time, trained with them and knows them well. He’s had two strong Sheffield Shield seasons in a row. He’s put in the work and earned the opportunity.”
Impressive home record and high expectations from the potential debutant
Doggett’s promotion to the Test team is a result of consistently good performances in the Sheffield Shield. A fast-medium bowler known for his ability to swing the ball away from right-handed batsmen, he has repeatedly troubled the batsmen in domestic cricket and brings a skill set suitable for the pace-friendly conditions expected in Perth. Lee believes the newcomer has the temperament and ability to rise to the occasion. He also praised Scott Boland, noting the Victorian’s versatility and consistency.
“When you walk out there at 10.20am tomorrow morning, it doesn’t matter how much work you’ve done. That nervous energy needs to be converted into performance. Take advantage of the opportunity and hopefully he gets wickets. The thing with Scott Boland is he can bowl anywhere: I think he’ll take the ball up the ice to the seam, he’s that good.” Lee jokingly highlighted the luxury Australia has of its high-speed options.
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