Former Australia Test spinner Xavier Doherty announced his retirement from first-class and One-Day cricket on Wednesday (March 15). Doherty, who made his international debut in 2010, played four Tests, 60 One-Day Internationals and 11 Twenty20 Internationals for his country.

The 34-year old’s decision came after he was dropped from Tasmania’s Sheffield Shield side for the last round of the season.

“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,” Doherty said.

“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.”

In a first-class career that spanned for almost a decade-and-a-half, Doherty took 163 wickets in 71 outings in addition to scoring 1,272 runs.

“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,” he added.

The spinner, who made his Test debut in 2010, finished his Test career with seven wickets while his wicket-tally stands at 55 in ODIs.

James Sutherland, Cricket Australia CEO, congratulated Doherty on his career and wished him luck for his post-playing days.

“Xavier was an outstanding competitor who always represented Australia to the best of his abilities,” he said.

“Playing in all three formats of the game at international level, Xavier proved he could compete against the best players in the world.

“Xavier featured in Australia’s victorious 2015 World Cup campaign on home soil, and should be proud of everything he has achieved in his decorated career. We thank him for being such a great ambassador for the game, and look forward to his continual involvement in his post-playing days,” he concluded.