Alex Doolan spent last year watching Ricky Ponting’s every move – when he trained, when he ate and when he drank.
And with a Test debut in Brisbane an increased possibility because of injury to Shane Watson, Australia will hope it proves a sensible character study for the in-form Tasmanian batsman.
After describing his match-winning ton for Tasmania against NSW on the weekend as one of the best of his first-class career, Doolan has another golden chance to audition for a Test call-up in Australia A’s clash with England beginning in Hobart on Wednesday.
Doolan said Ponting’s influence on his career has been profound, after the Test great played nearly a full Sheffield Shield season for the Tigers last summer.
Turning 28 at the end of this month, Doolan feels he’s ready if called upon.
He says he matured as a first-class performer under the guidance of fellow Launceston product Ponting.
“I think I came on in leaps and bounds last year thanks mainly to Ricky Ponting,” Doolan said.
“Under his tutelage I learnt more in 12 months than I had in the first five years of my career.
“I’ve got a lot to thank him for.
“He’s been a huge influence on my career, no doubt about that.
“What I did was sit back and watch him. I watched him play, I watched him train, I watched him eat, I watched him drink, I pretty much just watched him 24/7 every opportunity I got.”
If Doolan can score runs like Ponting than Australian cricket will have solved a major problem.
Australia has struggled to find a reliable performer at the pivotal No.3 position since Ponting moved back to No.4.
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