Xavier Doherty
A crafty left-arm spinner who became a reliable, if understated, fixture in Australia's limited-overs squads for half a decade.
Born 1982 (age 44)·Australian cricketer·Birthday: November 22·Millennials
Biography
Xavier Doherty's rise to the Australian cricket team was a testament to persistence and mastering a specific craft. In an era dominated by fast bowlers and wrist-spin, the Tasmanian offered something different: classical left-arm orthodox spin, delivered with metronomic accuracy and subtle flight. His first-class career was a long apprenticeship on the often seamer-friendly pitches of home, where he learned to contain and outthink batsmen. That defensive skill made him a valuable asset in the one-day game, and he seized his international chance in 2010, becoming a go-to bowler in the middle overs. While never a massive wicket-taker, Doherty's economy and control provided crucial balance, earning him a regular spot in Australia's ODI and T20 sides, including a place in the 2011 World Cup squad and the 2012 World T20 winning team.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Xavier was born in 1982, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Xavier Was Born
The biggest hits of 1982
#1 Movie
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Best Picture
Gandhi
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Xavier's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1982Born
Michael Jackson releases Thriller
Gas: $1.22/galHome: $55,200Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Physical" — Olivia Newton-JohnBest Picture: Gandhi
1987Started school
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1995Became a teenager
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
1998Could drive
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2000Could vote
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Turned 21
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2012Turned 30
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2022Turned 40
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 44 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Represented Australia in 60 limited-overs internationals (ODIs and T20Is) between 2010 and 2015.
- Was a member of the Australian squad that won the ICC World Twenty20 in 2012.
- Played a key role for Tasmania, helping them win the domestic one-day competition in 2009-10.
- Took 4 wickets for 46 runs on his One-Day International debut against Sri Lanka in 2010.
Did You Know?
He was a talented Australian rules football player in his youth and was offered a place in the Australian Institute of Sport's football program.
He made his first-class debut for Tasmania against the touring Pakistani side in 2002.
His nickname within cricket circles is 'X'.
“My job is to build pressure, over after over, and wait for the mistake.”
