Doggett’s debut marks first time two indigenous players feature in Australian Test 11

Australia are set to field two two indigenous cricketers in the same team for the first time ever in Test history. Australia will take on the touring England side for the first Ashes Test, set to begin on Friday at the Optus Stadium in Perth.

Australia’s stand-in captain Steve Smith announced on Thursday the playing 11 for the Ashes opener, which includes Brendan Doggett. Doggett, a 31-year-old pacer, is set to make his Test debut in the absence of bowlers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, with both recovering from injuries.

With fellow Indigenous cricketer Scott Boland already in the playing 11, Doggett’s inclusion will make them the first Indigenous duo to feature together in an Australian Test 11.

Before Doggett, only four Indigenous players had represented Australia in Test cricket —