Doggett's Injury Forces West Indies Test Exit, Abbott Joins Squad

🏏 Brendan Doggett ruled out; Sean Abbott called up Brendan Doggett, who was on the cusp of a potential Test debut after a stellar domestic season, has been ruled out of the West Indies tour with a minor hip injury. He was originally a traveling reserve for the World Test Championship final and had been selected in the squad to tour the Caribbean. Doggett’s 11 for 140 in the Sheffield Shield final for South Australia capped off a strong 2024–25 season that saw him climb back up the pace pecking order. 🔁 Replacement: Sean Abbott Sean Abbott, another uncapped fast bowler, replaces Doggett in the Test squad. Abbott has toured previously with the Australian Test team — to Sri Lanka and India — but is yet to debut. He remains one of the unluckiest uncapped players, with consistent domestic performances and several near-call-ups. 📅 Upcoming Tour Details Australia’s tour schedule: 1st Test: June 25 – Barbados 2nd Test: Grenada 3rd Test: Jamaica (day-night Test) This is Australia’s first Test tour of the West Indies since 2016. Andrew McDonald (Head Coach) said: “We haven’t been there since 2016, so there’s a bit of the unknown… but we’ve got a squad that can cover all bases.” 🧠 Tactical Notes Australia may alter their bowling balance: Possible two-seamer + two-spinner combination if pitches turn Matt Kuhnemann is in line to pair with Nathan Lyon in such a scenario Beau Webster provides a seam-bowling all-rounder option ❗ Steven Smith Injury Update Smith suffered a compound dislocation of his finger at Lord’s (Day 3). No fracture or surgery required, but he will wear a splint for eight weeks. He remains doubtful for the 1st Test, but could be fit to bat in two weeks, depending on functionality. Smith: “It just split the skin and dislocated it… I think it's probably the best result I could have hoped for.”