Doolan's knock has put him right in the running for an Ashes call-up. Source: Getty Images
A limping Michael Clarke has praised the match-winning century of Test hopeful Alex Doolan, which set up a dramatic two- wicket victory for Tasmania over NSW at Blacktown on Saturday.
"If any selectors were watching that innings it's got to help him that's for sure," said Clarke, who is confident his ever-troublesome back will improve enough to play for NSW against Victoria in Melbourne from next Wednesday.
Tasmania was cruising at 2-261 chasing 295 for victory but Doolan's dismissal for an elegant 132 prompted a collapse of 6-23.
Doolan's imposing performance, which came after a first innings top score of 56, will put unexpected pressure on erratic opening batsman David Warner.
Coming off three centuries in eight days during the Ryobi Cup one-day competition, Warner failed twice in this Sheffield Shield match with scores of 21 and 15.
He will need a decent score against the Vics at the SCG or the selectors to begin to wonder about Warner's red ball cricket after he averaged 24 in India and 23 in England earlier this year.
While all the debate has been about Australia's number six batting spot and George Bailey's outstanding one-day form in India, Doolan bats at number three.
He could easily open in the first Test at the Gabba later this month or bat at three, allowing Shane Watson to reclaim his favourite spot at the top of the order.
Doolan, 28 this month, has an even bigger chance to impress the selectors this week when he lines up for Australia A in a four-day match against England on his home ground, Hobart's Bellerive Oval.
He has been highly regarded by the selectors since scoring 161 not out for Australia A against South Africa in Sydney early last season.
"I think everyone lives in hope at the moment of being in that Test team," Doolan said of a possible debut in Brisbane.
"The advantage Australia has got at the moment is that so many guys are making a lot of runs, not only at home but away in India. George Bailey's form has been sensational.
"There is a plethora of people to pick from. I hope my name is up there with them.
Clarke is no longer a selector but he could not say enough about the way Doolan batted on Saturday.
"He played very well, that was a fantastic innings no doubt about it, and played a huge part in getting Tasmania home so deserves a lot of credit," said Clarke.
"I thought he batted with great patience but played his natural game.
"He played a really good innings but he helped his team win batting on a fourth day wicket.
"To play with so much freedom and the patience he showed has certainly done him a lot of favours I would imagine."
02 Nov, 2013
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Source: http://www.news.com.au/sport/cricket/michael-clarke-says-aussie-selectors-will-take-note-of-alex-doolans-century/story-fneba7mj-1226751986115?from=public_rss
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