One of Tasmania’s most respected and highly successful cricketers has today announced his retirement, with 34-year-old spinner Xavier Doherty deciding to announce his immediate retirement from first-class and One-Day cricket after what has been an outstanding career spanning 15 seasons.

Xavier made the decision this week, and while he said it was a “difficult” one to make, he said the time was right and he is looking forward to spending more time with his young family.



“X” or “Dohy” as he’s known, was discovered in George Town in the north of the state before he debuted for the Tigers at the age of 19 in 2001-02. He then went on to represent Tasmania and Australia with much success, his best figures in the shorter form being 4/18 against Victoria in Hobart in the one day final in 2008 and 4/28 against Sri Lanka in 2011.



On debut for his country in 2010 he made impact early with four wickets against Sri Lanka at the MCG. Crowned the Ricky Ponting Medallist in 2019-10 as the best Tasmanian cricketer for that season, he has also been a part of winning three One-Day titles for the Tigers and was also part of the Sheffield Shield win at Blundstone Arena in 2010-11.



“I have absolutely loved being a Tasmanian cricketer and I sometimes have to pinch myself when I think about the opportunities and highlights I have had throughout my career. I feel very grateful to have been part of such a successful, exciting and important era for Tasmanian cricket and I hope to be able to continue to watch more success in the future.



“Receiving my cap for Tasmania as a young 19-year-old was pretty special and to go on to be called up for Australia in 2010 and claim that Baggy Green was a surreal feeling. Both those moments were amazing, however it was celebrating the wins and each other's success with my teammates that I will treasure the most.



“I would like to thank my wife Emma, daughters Scarlett and Eloise, the rest of my amazing extended family, my teammates past and present and the rest of the Cricket Tasmania family who have supported me unconditionally on this journey,” Doherty said.



Cricket Tasmania General Manager of Cricket Andrew Dykes congratulated Xavier Doherty on behalf of Cricket Tasmania and the Tasmanian Tigers and said he has been a fantastic servant of Tasmanian cricket representing the Tigers with pride and distinction.



“Since debuting for Tasmania at the age of 19 Xavier has represented the State 172 times across Sheffield Shield and Domestic One-Day cricket and has been a key contributor to the success Tasmania experienced during his time in the Tigers squad.



“Xavier will be remembered as a team player always going about his business in an unassuming fashion, but consistently playing his role within the team in search of another Tigers’ victory to be shared with his teammates.



“Xavier has achieved a great deal in cricket, both from an individual and a team perspective and we trust he will look back with pride on the many fond memories and friendships he will take from his time with the Tasmanian Tigers. We wish Xavier and his family all the very best and hope to see him around in the future,” Dykes said.



Cricket Tasmania Chairman Andrew Gaggin also paid tribute to Xavier Doherty’s long and distinguished career with Tasmania.



“It was a long journey from George Town Cricket Club to playing in Ashes Tests for Australia, but throughout that career and wherever he played Xavier displayed poise, class, fairness of play and a competitive will to win.



“He will be remembered as a skilful and tight orthodox spinner, a very handy lower-order batsman and one of Tasmania’s greatest cricketers. On behalf of the Board, management, members and Tasmanian cricket fans generally I thank Xavier for his performances over the years and wish him well in the future,” Mr Gaggin said.





Doherty Statistics



Tests: 4 m, 51 runs at 12.75, 7 wickets at 78.29



Sheffield Shield (and first-class for Tasmania): 66 m, 1214 runs at 14.28, 153 wickets at 41.16



All first-class: 71 m, 1272 runs at 14.13, 163 wickets at 42.65



ODIs: 60 m, 101 runs at 14.42, 55 wickets at 40.43



One Day for Tasmania: 106 m, 691 runs at 17.72, 120 wickets at 32.21



T20I: 11 m, 18 runs at 18.00, 10 wickets at 30.00



Domestic T20: 58 m, 120 runs at 17.14, 45 wickets at 34.71