Search

show me:

Fitter, better Doggett to show BBL tricks

3 minute read

Brendan Doggett, who was part of Australia's Test squad last year and has joined the Sydney Thunder, is ready to return after almost a year on the sidelines.

Sydney Thunder signing Brendan Doggett suffered a year of injury hell after being called into Australia's Test squad, but the express paceman is now ready to show his frustrating stretch had an upside.

Doggett tumbled down the national pace pecking order after visiting the UAE on what was Justin Langer's first Test tour as Australia coach, albeit through no fault of his own.

A quad injury derailed the opening half of the Queensland quick's 2018/19 campaign, while back problems have kept him on the sidelines since January.

But Doggett, who departed Brisbane Heat because he couldn't resist the chance to work with Thunder coach Shane Bond, is finally ready to make a long-awaited return.

"I went from a pretty big high, being in that Test squad in the UAE, then it's been nothing but lows. You go to some dark places in rehab but I feel like my body is in a good place now," the 25-year-old told AAP.

"I'm probably the strongest I've ever been.

"My bowling is the best it has been, in terms of technique.

"Because I've been able to put time into certain things. When you come back, you're bowling off two or three steps so you can really focus on changes."

Doggett will be one to watch this BBL season, which starts on Tuesday with a clash between his former team and his new club at the Gabba.

Doggett, who was confirmed as Thunder's final signing on Thursday morning, has been bowling off his long run for three weeks.

"I definitely feel like I'm a better bowler than I used to be. With the tweaks I've made to my action, hopefully I'm a bit more durable while maintaining high pace," he said.

The right-armer is considered one of the nation's most exciting pace prospects, having enjoyed a remarkably rapid rise from Toowoomba-based apprentice carpenter to Test tourist in the space of three years.

"I'd love to play for Australia obviously but I don't really think about it ... and I'm just excited to play cricket again," he said.

"Coming to Sydney is a big move for me, I'm a bit of a homebody.

"Bondy was obviously a huge reason why I shifted, he was my first bowling coach at the Heat."

Think. Is this a bet you really want to place?

For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au