DESPITE taking just the two wickets on Australia's recent limited overs tour of India, Xavier Doherty was always confident he would be part of the attack that takes on England in white ball contests this summer.
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Doherty was yesterday named in the 14-man squad for the first three one-day internationals against England, along with fellow Tasmanians George Bailey and James Faulkner.
The 31-year-old left-arm spinner from George Town yesterday said that despite the lack of success in the wicket column, he bowled at a high standard that has continued into the domestic summer for Tasmania and Hobart.
``It was all pretty positive feedback I got, and when you look at that series, a score of 300 was below par, so it was really tough on the bowlers,'' Doherty said.
``For me, it was about keeping control through those middle overs, and I was creating chances, even though I wasn't getting the wickets to go with them.
``I could have easily had seven or eight to go with the economy rate (of 6.15) and I felt the ball was coming out well, and it has been coming out really well since.''
His two scalps, which came at an average of 141.5, has seen him drop to less than a wicket a match in his career (49 wickets in 51 matches), but that is not a deterrent as he prepares to confront the old enemy.
Doherty was dropped for Australia's series against England in the winter when selectors opted for Fawad Ahmed, but he did not believe he would be at a disadvantage by not having had as regular cricket against the English.
``They have copped a bit of a hammering not only on the ground but in the public as well, so I expect them to be up for the series,'' he said.
``If I bowl as well as I know I can bowl, I believe I can have an impact in this series, and all I will be worrying about is what I can control.''
Doherty admitted he was happy to enter 2014 with more of solid idea of where he sits in Australia's cricket landscape, especially with Australia to co-host of the 50-over World Cup in 2015.
The first of the five matches will be at the MCG on January 12.
THE AUSTRALIAN SQUAD IS: Michael Clarke (c), George Bailey (vc), Nathan Coulter-Nile, Xavier Doherty, James Faulkner, Aaron Finch, Brad Haddin, Mitchell Johnson, Shaun Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Clint McKay, James Pattinson, David Warner, Shane Watson.
