Australia's 2015 World Cup-winning Spinner Xavier Doherty Becomes Carpenter Post-retirement
Updated - 31 May 2021, 04:12 PM
Former Australia spinner Xavier Doherty has turned to carpentry to fulfil his daily needs and make money after retiring from cricket in 2017.
Xavier Doherty, who made his domestic debut in the 2001-02 season, was part of Australia’s 2015 World Cup-winning squad at home, under Michael Clarke.
The left-arm spinner, though, played just a single game in the tournament – versus Sri Lanka at the Sydney Cricket Ground where he returned with disappointing figures of 0/60 in 7 overs. As it happened, that game turned out to be his last ODI and he was dropped from the set-up.
In all, the left-arm spinner featured in 4 Tests (7 wickets), 60 ODIs (55), and 11 T20Is (10) wickets.
I am three-quarters of the way through a carpentry apprenticeship: Xavier Doherty
In a video uploaded by the Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA), the 38-year-old talked about his new profession.
He also thanked the ACA for helping him when he was in a critical situation over his life post-retirement. Xavier Doherty says he had tried his hand in different jobs after retiring but found his calling in carpentry.
“Right now, I am three-quarters of the way through a carpentry apprenticeship. This is my day on building sites and I have thoroughly enjoyed it. Just being outdoors working with my hands, learning new things. Something completely different to cricket,” Xavier Doherty said.
“When I finished cricket, I didn’t know exactly what I was going to do. Then I spent the first 12 months once cricket finished doing everything and every opportunity that came my way. I did some landscaping, office work, cricket work and then found myself here.
“The ACA has been unbelievable really. Obviously, it hits you right between the eyes when your cricket days finish and thoughts going through your head of what’s coming next, and money and what’s my life gonna look like?” he stated.
Test bowler turned carpenter ??
Xavier Doherty took some time to find what was right for him following his retirement from cricket, but he's now building his future with an apprenticeship in carpentry.#NationalCareersWeek pic.twitter.com/iYRq2m39jt
— Australian Cricketers' Association (@ACA_Players) May 18, 2021
Xavier Doherty featured in 71 first-class, 176 List A, and 74 T20 matches, picking up 415 wickets in total before hanging his boots alongside Adam Voges and Chris Hartley four years ago.
