Xavier Doherty gets Aussie ODI call-up

Spinner Xavier Doherty says developing a more attacking style has helped as he aims to reinforce his World Cup claims in the remaining three one-dayers against South Africa.

With no specialist spinner required for the first two ODIs on the pace-friendly WACA wicket, Doherty was called up to the Australian squad on Sunday to prepare for the third game at Canberra’s Manuka Oval on Wednesday.

Dropped for the recent tri-series in Zimbabwe, Doherty gained a recall through injury and played in the last two games of Australia’s three-match ODI sweep of Pakistan in the UAE.

A veteran of 56 ODIs since his debut in 2010, 31-year-old Doherty is better known for his tight line and darting deliveries rather than big turn.

But Doherty said on Sunday he’d worked hard to add more threat to his bowling and believed it was paying dividends.

“I felt last year I probably didn’t bowl as well as I should have or could have and spent the winter here in Hobart just working on my game and not playing any cricket,” he said.

“I worked on trying to be more attacking with my bowling.

“I felt last year I sort of stalled with my bowling a little bit and became quite defensive.

“So I really just try to attack and be a wicket-taker or more of a wicket-taker than I was.

“The rewards are starting to pay off. I feel like I’ve been bowling well over the past couple of months.”

He believed the Manuka Oval wicket would suit spin and was hopeful of playing on Wednesday.

After speaking with selection boss Rod Marsh in recent weeks, Doherty understood spinners would come into the Australian approach later in the series as the team gears for the World Cup early next year.

“And here’s my chance,” said Doherty.

“I’ve got an opportunity to really nail my spot for the rest of this series and then, after that, who knows?”