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Doherty joins Melbourne Renegades

Spinner leaves Hurricanes after four seasons to link up with former teammate Saker

Melbourne Renegades have moved swiftly to ease the loss of spinner Fawad Ahmed by picking up World Cup winner Xavier Doherty from the Hobart Hurricanes.

Doherty, 32, took 24 wickets in 26 matches across four seasons for the Hurricanes, but said the time was right for a move to Melbourne.

“I’m really pleased to have signed for the Melbourne Renegades. I felt ready for a change and the chance to play in Melbourne was too good to pass up,” Doherty said.

“The Etihad Stadium wicket has always been good for the spinners so I’m looking forward to getting into the action on that deck.

“The squad also looks really good. We’ve already added Chris Gayle and Cameron White to a strong list which should put us right in contention for finals this season.”

Renegades captain Aaron Finch was delighted with the signing of the left-arm tweaker, who he played alongside during Australia’s march to a fifth World Cup title.

“It’s awesome to have ‘Dohey’ sign for us,” Finch said. “He's someone who has bowled particularly well in the shorter format over his career.

“How we've landed him I don't know. I think he's an unbelievable Twenty20 bowler.

“Etihad is going to suit him, Melbourne is going to suit him and his family. I know they love coming here.

“It’s great to sign someone like ‘Dohey’, he's an unbelievable person and the ultimate team man. We're pumped to have him.”

Renegades head coach David Saker said Doherty added experience and depth to the side’s bowling line-up.

“We recognised the need to add a spinner who has played at the top level and Xavier certainly fits that bill,” Saker said.

“He’s been a regular part of the Australian ODI and T20 sides for several years and has a very good record in BBL matches.

“I’ve known Xavier for a long time – I’ve coached him and played with him when he was starting out in Tasmania. As a team we had good results from the spinners during BBL|04 so we’ll be looking for a repeat of that this season.”