Ashes 2025-26: Not Scott Boland! Brett Lee weighs in on who should open the bowling for Australia in Perth Test
With the Ashes 2025-2026 set to begin on Friday in Perth, anticipation is reaching fever pitch as Australia and England prepare to clash in one of cricket’s most storied rivalries. The build-up to the first Test has been dominated by discussions about team combinations and tactical decisions, particularly for Australia, who feature a slightly revamped pace attack due to injuries.
Among the topics of discussion is the selection of Brendan Doggettwho is expected to make his Test debut. And now, the former Australian fast-bowling great Brett Lee weighed in on who he thinks should take the new ball alongside Mitchell Starc.
Brett Lee explains who should open the bowling for Australia
Lee, one of the most feared Australian fast bowlers of the 2000s, lent his support to Doggett by taking to the new ball on debut. His comments come after stand-in captain Steve Smith declined to specify whether Doggett or Scott Boland would share the new ball duties with Starc in the opening test. Lee thinks giving Doggett the ball early can actually help ease his early nerves.
“That might be the best thing for his nerves. If they lose the toss tomorrow and have to bowl first, Steve Smith might say, ‘All right, mate, you don’t have time to calm down. Take the brand new ball and shape a few.'” Lee said during a Fox Cricket event.
Doggett, a natural bowler, has traditionally opened the bowling for South Australia in the Sheffield Shield. While Boland also filled the new-ball role for Victoria, he largely excelled in Test cricket as a first-change bowler, with an astonishing return of 62 wickets at 16.53 in his 14 Tests.
According to Lee, putting Doggett in charge from the start could speed up his transition to Test cricket. He stated: “It’s not like he was picked out of the blue. He’s been with the team for a long time, trained with them and knows them well. He’s had two good seasons in a row in the Sheffield Shield. He’s done the job and deserved the opportunity.”
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Impressive national record and high expectations from the potential debutant
Doggett’s elevation to the Test team was a result of consistent performances in the Sheffield Shield. A fast-medium bowler known for his ability to keep the ball away from right-handers, he has repeatedly troubled batters in domestic cricket and brings a skill set well suited to the pace-friendly conditions expected in Perth. Lee believes the newbie has the temperament and ability to rise to the occasion. He also praised Scott Boland, highlighting the Victorian’s versatility and consistency.
“When you’re walking around tomorrow at 10:20, it doesn’t matter how much work you’ve done. That nervous energy has to turn into performance. Take the opportunity and hopefully he gets a bag of wickets. The thing about Scott Boland is he can play anywhere: I think he’d run the ball off the ice, he’s that good,” Lee joked, highlighting the luxury Australia has in their pace options.
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