From Cricket To Carpentry: Is That What Xavier Doherty Is Up To?

If you have made around 75 international appearances for Australia, then it cannot be said that you aren’t talented. While you may not be a numero uno cricketer in the world, there definitely is some gift in your craft that has endeared you to the trust of the selectors who see faith in your abilities. And hence, 60 ODIs, 4 Tests and 11 T20 Internationals occur at the end of the day- isn’t it? These aren’t numbers associated with just about anyone; these are numbers that belong to none other than former left arm spinner Xavier Doherty.

Next year, it’ll be around half a decade since the international retirement of Xavier Doherty from the game. Yes, that very game that made him a cricketing regular for a team no less powerful and prominent than Australia, a team that today can be seen struggling in the white-ball format.

But the story of Xavier Doherty, who was also a part of several prominent ICC events, such as the T20I world cup back in 2012 as well as the ODI world cup in 2015, isn’t the most pleasing one.

Is it down to the fact that he’s doing carpentry right now? No, not at all. Since that would mean that those who do carpentry aren’t doing something respectable.

That’s not even remotely the point. One reckons, those who are behind prominent start up brands such as Furlenco in India or let’s say, established global names such as Ikea should go hide somewhere- isn’t it?

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They are prominent names in the sphere of the furniture business.

Yet, the point about Xavier Doherty is what he is exactly busy with in his life and at a stage where he still is young, being only 38.

And if it so happens that he is doing carpentry solely to earn a living, then maybe that’s the area of concern, which is worth knowing.

Even if it was learning the art of carpentry, there’s no problem with it at all but if it’s happened that Doherty is plying his trade as a local carpenter, which may or may not afford him a substantial livelihood- then that’s something that could be troublesome.

Wouldn’t you think?

How all of this happened is that recently the Australian Cricketers’ Association uploaded a video of Doherty doing carpentry, and the said video quickly snowballed into different cricketing communities.

That being said, the following is what information came to light when the issue was highlighted in a noted Indian daily:

Doherty said that when he retired from cricket, he did not think what he will do in future. He did different types of works, including landscaping, office work and some cricket related work.

Then Doherty decided to become a carpenter and he is a trained carpenter now. According to Doherty, he received help from Australian Cricketers Association transition manager Carla and he was also given some money to take care of his education.

The above told, the only thing one hopes is for the former bowler with 72 international wickets to go from strength to strength and grow in his craft! May he again rise to prominence in a sphere where craftsmanship and innovation are absolute must haves.