Dowling was the first New Zealand captain to score a double hundred and also the third Kiwi batsman to reach the landmark in Tests when he achieved it against India in 1968. An opening batsman, Dowling was from Christchurch, played for Canterbury and led New Zealand in 19 consecutive Tests. He took over from Barry Sinclair during the India series in 1968 and in his first game as skipper scored 239.

Dowling held the record of scoring a double ton in his debut Test as a captain until Shivnarine Chanderpaul equaled it in 2005 against South Africa. Under his leadership, New Zealand had some great success, recording their maiden wins in India and Pakistan. And also drawing the series 1-1 against West Indies at home. He liked the Indian attack in particular as all three of his Test tons came against them.

However, injuries cut his career short. First, he lost his middle finger during the tour of Australia in 1969-70, but continued to lead New Zealand on the tour to West Indies. There he injured his back and had to return home after the second Test. That was the last first class game he played for his country.

Dowling also led the Canterbury side from 1962-63 to 1971-72. His first class record speaks volumes of what kind of batsman he was, 9399 runs at 34.94 including 16 hundreds. Out of those 2306 were Test runs got at an average of 31.16. After retiring from the game, Dowling was awarded with OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) for his services to the game during the New Year Honours in 1987.

He also served as a match referee from 1995 to 2000, officiating in 9 Tests and 16 ODIs.