Doherty set to prove mettle against India

Test dream might just come true for Xavier Doherty who is the likely replacement for injured, Michael Beer. After not being used in the first ODIs against Sri Lanka, his match-winning performance in the final game of the series helped Australia tie the series level at 2-2. Doherty took 3/21 off 8 overs that included the prized scalp of Mahela Jayawardene.

Although Doherty has been used more as a part-timer in the Sheffield Shield matches for the Tasmanian Tigers this year due to the presence of grass on the wickets, he is in contention to be picked in the squad to come to India for a 4-match Test series.

Apart from Nathan Lyon, who is a sure-shot pick, Michael Beer was to be the second spinner in the touring squad. But due to a shoulder injury that he picked up during the BBL, Doherty gets an opportunity to make a comeback in the baggy green after the Ashes debacle two seasons ago.

“It was nice to get a bowl, I was pretty nervous having not bowled a ball in a game for nearly 10 days I guess,” Doherty said after his performance last night. “I would certainly love to play in the Test team again, I wasn’t that rapt with how it all went. I think they are completely separate but it’s about keeping my name up there in any format. I think I’m a better bowler than what I was when I played Test cricket two years ago and at 30 still quite young as far as an international player goes.”

Having followed England’s tour to India quite closely and the impact that left-arm Panesar had on the series, he hopes he can have similar success. “I watched quite a bit of that and it was a great series and it is a great place to play cricket and obviously as a spinner you get plenty of assistance there,” he said. I think I’ve bowled 50 overs in five Shield games which is not ideal but the way I bowled last year in Shield cricket up until the One Day series and Big Bash, I was pretty pleased with that. As far as four day cricket goes, I think I’ve come a long way. There is no doubt I’m spinning the ball more and better control, which as a spinner that is something that comes with age. The schedule is what it is; I wouldn’t knock back a chance to play for Australia.”

Doherty will be hoping he gets another shot at Test cricket and that his last memory in baggy green will not be of Pietersen’s mauling. India will be a major challenge for Doherty and hopefully, he can prove his mettle by hanging in there are playing the role Monty did for England.