Xavier Doherty’s extended time under cricket’s spotlight has been switched off, but the former Test spinner is far from done with the game.
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The 35-year-old arguably should be at the peak of his powers. The late Bob Holland hadn’t debuted for Australia nor had Shane Warne ended his time until both were 38.
But in reality, the orthodox tweaker’s career has been winding down after having not appeared for Tasmania in the Sheffield Shield since December 2015, effectively confirming his retirement in state cricket 15 months later.
“But I’m keen to play as much as I can now, but you can’t play forever,” he said.
“If you’re fit enough and able enough, why not? I’ve still played a few games this year and keen for that to keep going on a little bit.
“Look, I don’t wake up on Saturday morning as excited as I used to. You have other things going on in your life, which sort of takes precedence. But I might as well still play on while I can.”
The George Town product has been playing only the short format of the game this season, picking up 16 wickets at 15.43 for Cricket Tasmania Premier League titleholders South Hobart-Sandy Bay.
But Doherty reveals that a mentoring role has become more appealing in somewhat of an afterthought.
“It was probably something that I didn’t put enough thought into to be honest,” Doherty said. “Just working with some of the other coaches I’ve found myself just like any new coach – you look at the game differently once you’re a coach than when you’re a player.”
Returning the assistant coach for the Tasmanian under-15 schoolboys at the national championships this week was a test of his mettle.
But Doherty, who played 55 one-day internationals, felt the wherewithal of playing for Australia gives insight.
“Just at the minute, I’m happy helping out and doing bits and pieces where I can just keep my mind ticking over and keep that involvement in the game,” he said.
“That’s really exciting and I am excited in what the future might hold coaching-wise.
“I wish I probably did this a little bit earlier – I’m finding myself a little bit behind. Being involved in the game is very exciting, especially with boys who are like sponges and take everything in.”
Andrew Mathieson
The day I realised I wasn't good enough to play for St Kilda or be the No.1 spinner for Australia was when I realised journalism was the closest I could come to follow my passion for sport. And it's not just about the scores for me. It's the back story behind the game.
The day I realised I wasn't good enough to play for St Kilda or be the No.1 spinner for Australia was when I realised journalism was the closest I could come to follow my passion for sport. And it's not just about the scores for me. It's the back story behind the game.
