The veteran batter thinks a possible Test call up has passed him by
Doolan focused purely on Shield cricket
Forgotten batsman Alex Doolan thinks his Test opportunity has passed him by despite continuing his strong start to the Sheffield Shield season.
Doolan, who played the last of his four Tests in 2014, scored a fighting 76 on Thursday to help Tasmania reach 226 in their Sheffield Shield match at the WACA Ground.
In reply, WA were 2-69 at stumps on day one, with Shaun Marsh unbeaten on 10, and Hilton Cartwright on 28.
Marsh, who endured a horror Test series against Pakistan, will be desperate to post a big score in order to save his spot in the national side.
Suspensions, injuries, and poor form means positions in Australia's Test side are wide open ahead of this summer's four-Test series against India.
But Doolan, who scored 115 against Queensland last week, doesn't think he'll be in the reckoning when selectors consider their options.
"It's been a few years now since I've played Test cricket. I've had my go, and I didn't grab it," Doolan said.
"For me now it's all about playing for Tassie and contributing there and winning titles."
Doolan has purposely put his Test dreams on the backburner in a bid to keep his mind fresh from distractions.
"I just don't let it into my mind. If all you're thinking about is playing for Australia, it can consume you," Doolan said.
"They picked a Test team to tour the UAE against Pakistan. I don't see much reason why we change it.
"With Usman Khawaja injured, I think the obvious choice to come into the batting is Matt Renshaw.
"He was unlucky not to play in the UAE. He's shown over the past 12 months how dominant he can be."
Tasmania were struggling at 4-72 before Doolan helped steady the ship.
Matthew Wade (66 not out) scored some important runs late in the innings to ensure Tasmania reached a competitive total.
Warriors paceman Cameron Green cleaned up the tail to collect career-best figures of 6-30, while David Moody (3-39) snared the key scalps of Jake Doran (9) and George Bailey (0) in consecutive balls during the morning session.