Perth, Nov 17 (NationPress) Former Australian fast bowler Ryan Harris has expressed his strong support for pacer Brendan Doggett as he prepares for potential selection ahead of the inaugural Ashes Test against England, which is set to commence at Perth Stadium on November 21. Harris believes that the seamer is currently at a stage where he is ‘ready to go’.

With fellow fast bowler Josh Hazlewood sidelined due to a hamstring injury sustained during New South Wales' Sheffield Shield match against Victoria, this situation opens the door for Doggett, aged 31, to possibly earn his first Test cap in this critical series opener.

“Having been back in Adelaide for three years now, I can attest that he has improved consistently during this time. He’s been developing over several years, and one significant observation I've made in the last couple of years is his evident maturity; he has a solid understanding of his game,” Harris stated.

“Though he has faced a few minor injury concerns, which many bowlers encounter, I believe that recently he has managed to get his body in prime condition. He seems to be at ease with his body and, more crucially, with his game,” he added.

“He is aware of his responsibilities on the field and executes them nearly perfectly. While it can be a bit nerve-wracking to make your Test debut, being older can help mitigate the pressure of the occasion. He is at that juncture now where he is truly prepared,” Harris shared on SEN Radio.

Serving as Doggett's coach in the South Australia Sheffield Shield team, Harris noted Doggett's impressive performances, including figures of 5-66 and 6-48 in his last two outings against Tasmania and Western Australia. Harris, who made his own Test debut at 31, emphasized that Doggett's age and experience would benefit him in the high-stakes Ashes environment.

“His speed hovers in the high 130s, yet he has the ability to hit the bat harder than one might expect. On a good day, he can even exceed 140. While he may not be as tall as Mitchell Starc, he generates an impressive bounce,” he remarked.

“One of the key aspects of his bowling is his ability to maintain a proper length, what I define as a Test length, which is slightly fuller, and he is capable of swinging the ball at pace. He possesses all the necessary attributes, and I genuinely feel that this is the optimal moment for him to take his shot,” he concluded.