From carpenter to potential Australian quick

Toowoomba's Brendan Doggett hopes to make his Australian Test debut.

TEST SPOT: Toowoomba junior Brendan Doggett (right) said he was absolutely by the news he had been named in coach Justin Langer's latest Australian Test team. Picture: GLENN HUNT

CRICKET: Three years ago Brendan Doggett was working as a carpenter and playing Brisbane grade cricket.

Now the former Toowoomba junior has played for the Brisbane Heat, Queensland Bulls, Australia A and this week was called in to the Australia Test squad.

The fast bowler, who was in India with the Australia A team when he recieved the news earlier this week, said he was completely shocked.

"I was pretty stoked when I got the news, it was complete surprise, very unexpected,” Doggett said.

"(Australia selector) Trevor Hohns was with us on tour and he got around to all of us personally to tell us what was happening.

"There were a few of us Queenslanders on tour who were named in the side and it really dawned on us how big it was when we got our phone.

"Everyone's phone was buzzing with congratulation messages because they'd heard the news before we did.”

"I heard my brother let out a pretty loud cheer in his office when he heard the news and everyone thought he was a bit strange.”

Doggett is one of five uncapped players called into coach Justin Langer's squad for the two Test series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates.

The 24-year-old will now fight for the right to wear the "baggy green” in Australia's first Test match on October and should that lifelong dream come true he'll bowl his first ball just like any other.

"I think the fact I started playing at a higher later than most has helped me,” Doggett said.

"I've always tried to work really hard and listen to my coaches and more experienced players.

"I've been lucky because I've got to work with blokes like Ryan Harris and Andy Bichel - great bowlers who I have learnt a lot from.

"More importantly though I try to keep it simple and cherish every moment.

"I try to play every game the same and that's exactly what I'll do. I still don't rate my chances but I'd try to bowl that first bowl just like every other.”

Originally published as From carpenter to potential Australian quick