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Doherty eyes Test spot

Doherty eyes Test spot

02/11/2012 08:49:30 PM

Xavier Doherty is hoping his impressive limited-overs form will get him the chance to prove he's a better Test spinner than he showed in his first stint in the Australian team.

The left-arm orthodox bowler played the first two Tests of the 2010-11 Ashes series but was largely disappointing, taking just three wickets with an average of 102 and a strike-rate of 151.6.

Since then, Nathan Lyon has established himself as Australia's first-choice Test spinner and Michael Beer also got a chance at the top level, but Doherty has excelled in the shorter formats.

The 29-year-old Tasmanian has played 18 one-day internationals since late 2010 and delivered an impressive 28.33 average, while he also made his debut in the KFC T20 Internationals in early February and had a respectable 7.42 economy rate in the two matches.

Doherty is also enjoying his best Sheffield Shield season, with his 19 wickets from five matches coming at an average of 26.

While he said he was focused on limited-overs cricket, Doherty said he still holds five-day ambitions.

"I'm not thinking of it at the moment but ideally I'd love to get back in there. Hopefully another opportunity will open up down the track," he said.

"Nathan Lyon has done a great job since he's come in and he's going to be a tough one to move out of there."

"I wasn't that rapt with how I did bowl when I did get my chance so I'm probably thinking a bit more long-term there but hopefully it does happen again."

"I haven't changed too much. As a spin bowler you're just banking on experiences and getting back and working hard on your game."

Doherty's good form continued in Australia's thrilling five-run Commonwealth Bank Series win over Sri Lanka at the WACA Ground on Friday, taking 2-24 in a tight 10 over spell.

That gave Doherty 15 wickets at an average of 17 and an economy rate of 4.11 from his last seven ODIs and earned him strong praise from captain Michael Clarke.

The finger spinner said his experience filling in as captain for Tasmania and the Hobart Hurricanes this season had helped his development.

"You speak to any captain and they're always thinking like a captain and I'm starting to feel like that as well," Doherty said.

"I haven't quite got the confidence to run up to Pup [Clarke] and start shooting ideas at him, but hopefully down the track that'll come."

He said he was confident of continuing his good touch when Australia's tri-series campaign continues against India in Adelaide on Sunday.

 
Photograph Copyright : Getty Images

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