Doolan in mix for first Test comeback

TASMANIAN veteran Alex Doolan has emerged as a shock candidate for the first Test squad to face India after standing out above the mediocrity of Australia’s selection shootout.

Doolan played the last of his four Test matches for Australia more than four years ago but has opened this Sheffield Shield season with scores of 115, 76, 53, 90 and a timely 94 yesterday against Victoria.

Australia will name their squad for the banner four Test series against India later this week and selectors have been largely underwhelmed by the weekend performances of the biggest name challengers.

Matt Renshaw was considered a favourite to return for the home summer, but he is now in limbo after failing twice against NSW’s all-Australian attack in Canberra.

Shaun and Mitchell Marsh also failed to deliver, although both have already done enough to be picked.

Many had written fellow Queenslander Marnus Labuschagne out of the equation, but his fighting first innings 50 against the likes of Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood will make him hard to dump.

Another candidate, Peter Handscomb, failed in his first opportunity in Hobart against Tasmania, but the Victorian will get one more bat.

Doolan has to be considered for the first Test. He is the most consistent run-getter of the season and selectors will have to pick a cover batsman for Usman Khawaja, who is coming back from injury.

The 32-year-old made an 89 on Test debut against South Africa at Centurion, and the likes of Chris Rogers have proven that mature-aged players can return.

Another smoky might be NSW opener Daniel Hughes who made a classy ton against Queensland.