Launceston batsman Alex Doolan says his chances of a Test comeback are remote despite striking the summer’s maiden first-class ton on Tuesday.
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The one-time Australian No.3 has struggled for form since the last of his four Tests in Dubai four years ago – compiling 247 of his 555 runs last Sheffield Shield season in one innings.
However, the confidence the 32-year-old has in his game at the moment is not enough to convince him he will one day wear his Baggy Green again despite national XI uncertainty with banned trio Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft on the sidelines.
“I don’t think about [a Test recall] at all, I think that ship’s probably sailed for me; and if someone gets caught up in thinking about Test spots and who’s in and who’s out it just takes away from your own game,” Doolan said.
“My sole focus is winning games of cricket and putting teams in good positions to win games of cricket – higher honours take care of themselves if you can do that.”
In hitting 115 – including 17 fours and two sixes – off 193 balls, Doolan formed an important 134-run stand with Tigers No.3 Beau Webster against Queensland on a slow Gabba wicket.
Heading into this season Doolan boasted a first-class average of 33.45 with 5419 runs to his name in 96 matches.
“It’s been an interesting pre-season for me. We didn’t have any pre-season practice games and then I only played the two [one-day cup games], so this is only my [fourth game if you count club cricket],” he said.
“I’ve been working hard to get my game in good order for the start of the year and it’s paid dividends.”
Doolan said Tasmania has come a long way in the past 18 months under coach Adam Griffith and is now in a position to challenge for silverware in every format.
After several lean years under Dan Marsh following the successful Tim Coyle era, Tasmania has finished runner-up in the past three domestic competition finals including last’s week’s one-day cup finale.
“When you’ve had a little bit of a taste of finals and how good they are when you’ve won a couple, you just realise how special they are,” Doolan said.
“My sole focus is on winning games of cricket, championships and trophies for Tasmania.”
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