Spinner Xavier Doherty would love nothing more than to earn another crack at Test cricket, but the talented Tasmanian admits he hasn’t done enough to put himself in the selection frame just yet.
Doherty has made a bright start to the triangular one-day series against India and Sri Lanka, returning figures of 2-36 and 2-24 to help Australia to consecutive victories.
Although Doherty is loving his time in the one-day set-up, the 29-year-old still harbours dreams of returning to the Test arena.
He played two against England in 2010 but the left-arm tweaker struggled in both, taking just three wickets at an average of 102.
Doherty is the first to admit his short stint wasn’t good enough and he’s desperate to make amends somewhere down the track.
However, with spinner Nathan Lyon doing well in the Test set-up, Doherty is happy to bide his time in one-day colours.
“Nathan Lyon’s done a great job since he’s come in and he’s going to be a tough one to move out of there,” Doherty said on Saturday.
“It’s not really in the frame for me at the moment. I’m just concentrating on what I can do in the coloured clothes.
“But hopefully down the track another opportunity will present itself. I wasn’t that rapt with the way I bowled when I did get my chance.”
Australia skipper Michael Clarke praised the recent influence of Doherty, who will be aiming to continue his hot form into Sunday’s clash with India at Adelaide Oval.
Veteran batsman Mike Hussey has been rested for the match, while paceman Ben Hilfenhaus, who was drafted in as cover for the injured Brett Lee, has flown back home to Tasmania.
All-rounder Mitch Marsh returns to the 12-man squad after playing in Western Australia’s Sheffield Shield win over Queensland, while Peter Forrest is a good chance to make his one-day debut after missing out in Perth.
The Australians were given an almighty scare on Friday night when Sri Lanka – inspired by a 44-run final-wicket stand between Angelo Mathews (64) and Dhammika Prasad – got within one stroke of stealing victory at the WACA.
Paceman Mitchell Starc eventually sealed the five-run win with the scalp of Mathews, but not before copping some punishment in his final two overs.
“He’ll learn a lot from that,” Clarke said.
“He’ll take a lot of confidence going into future games knowing that if he executes his skills, he could become a good death bowler.
“He probably felt a bit of pressure there in those last two overs he bowled, but to be able to come out on top is a really positive sign for him.”
Squad: Michael Clarke (capt), Dan Christian, Xavier Doherty, Peter Forrest, Ryan Harris, David Hussey, Mitchell Marsh, Clint McKay, Ricky Ponting, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, David Warner.
