Doug Bollinger      

Full name Douglas Erwin Bollinger

Born July 24, 1981, Baulkham Hills, Sydney, New South Wales

Current age 28 years 124 days

Major teams Australia, Australia A, New South Wales, Worcestershire

Nickname Eagle

Playing role Bowler

Batting style Left-hand bat

Bowling style Left-arm fast

Height 1.92 m

Doug Bollinger is a left-arm fast bowler loaded with character that is more suited to cold beer than high-quality champagne. Early in his maiden Test spell on his SCG home ground, he waved animatedly at Ricky Ponting to demand a short-leg and the crowd cheered every grimace throughout a welcome that included two wickets. He left with an enhanced reputation and the nickname "Doug the rug" after manufacturing golden locks from a previously barren crown. A tourist to South Africa and the United Arab Emirates in 2009, he earned his first three one-day internationals and struck oil in Abu Dhabi with 5 for 35 in his second match to build on his regular career gains.

The 2007-08 season was another of real change for Bollinger, who picked up his initial Cricket Australia contract, his first position in an Australia touring party and a wife. Just as he was preparing to depart on honeymoon, Bollinger received word that he was a late addition to the Test squad to tour the West Indies in May 2008. He was unlucky not to be in the original group after topping the Pura Cup wicket tally with 45 at 15.44, an especially good return considering he missed the last three games of New South Wales' successful campaign with a broken foot. He had been instrumental in getting the Blues to the decider, grabbing 12 wickets in an innings victory over Tasmania and picking up ten victims in a win against Western Australia. Like Ashley Noffke, Bollinger did not get a Test in the West Indies, but both players were picked for Australia A's tour of India and Bollinger got the nod for the senior tour that followed.

The previous summer provided Bollinger's breakthrough in the Pura Cup when he became the Blues' second-leading wicket-taker with 37 victims at 28.37. That season finished with 5 for 73 in the first innings of the final against Tasmania and his success helped earn a contract at Worcestershire for 2007. A bowler who mixes sharp pace and swing with a consistent line and length, Bollinger has progressed from steady workhorse to dangerous new-ball option. He spent the 2006 winter at the Academy, by which stage he had already become the fourth man in Australia's one-day domestic history to claim a hat-trick.
Cricinfo staff May 2009

Nov 19, 2009

Doug Bollinger sends down a delivery

© Getty Images

Nov 8, 2009

Doug Bollinger starred with five wickets

© Getty Images

Nov 8, 2009

Doug Bollinger soaks up the moment after dismissing MS Dhoni

© AFP

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