Tasmanian batsman Alex Doolan could make his Test debut in Sydney this week as Shane Watson battles to be fit for the Ashes series finale.

Doolan has been called up to the Test squad as cover for Watson, who hurt his groin during Australia's convincing win over England in the Boxing Day Test.

Tasmanian batsman Alex Doolan is close to making his Test debut for Australia. Credit:Getty Images

Doolan, 29, rose to prominence last summer with an unbeaten 161 for Australia A against the touring South Africans and began this year's Sheffield Shield season with a match-winning century against NSW.

Ryan Harris is also in doubt for the Sydney Test because of a chronic knee problem.