Doggett’s Six-Wicket Haul Keeps South Australia Alive at the WACA

Fast bowler Brendan Doggett produced a brilliant six-wicket haul to keep South Australia in contention against Western Australia on day two of their Sheffield Shield clash at the WACA.

Doggett’s incisive spell of 6 for 48 from 21.2 overs helped restrict WA to 307, limiting their first-innings lead to 92 after South Australia were dismissed for 215 on day one. At stumps, South Australia were 6 without loss, still 86 runs behind.

While Cameron Green fell for a duck in his return to Shield cricket as a specialist batter, Cameron Bancroft stood firm with a gritty century. His 122 off 255 balls anchored WA’s innings and reminded selectors of his resilience at the top of the order, even as his Test prospects have faded since his last Ashes appearance in 2019.

Doggett, who was part of Australia’s World Test Championship squad earlier this year and is pushing for an Ashes berth, said he is focusing on consistency rather than speculation about national selection.

“There has been a little bit of noise, but I’m trying not to think about it,” Doggett said. “I just want to keep putting good performances together — that’s all I can control.”

After a steady opening stand of 93 between Bancroft and skipper Sam Whiteman, Doggett sparked a collapse by removing both Whiteman and Hilton Cartwright before dismissing Green in a fiery post-lunch spell.

Allrounder Cooper Connolly provided an attacking cameo of 33 off 33, continuing his fine form after a strong showing in the India ODI series, but his dismissal halted WA’s momentum before rain and bad light brought an early close.

Western Australia hold the advantage heading into day three, but Doggett’s brilliance has ensured South Australia remain firmly in the contest.