Main motivation for Alex Doolan is helping Tigers win silverware, not on reminding national selectors of his talent

Having become just the seventh batsman for Tasmania to score centuries in both innings of a Sheffield Shield match, Alex Doolan believes the door is shut on his international career — and the veteran opener is comfortable with that

CENTURION: Alex Doolan drives through the covers against South Australia (Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images)

HELPING Tasmania win more silverware is the driving ambition for veteran opener Alex Doolan, who has all but dismissed the suggestion of reviving his international career.

A day after becoming just the seventh batsman for the state to score a century in each innings of a Sheffield Shield match, Doolan said he believes the “door is shut” on adding to his four Test appearances from 2014.

Instead his sole focus is featuring in victories for the Tigers — which in turn will lead to more chance to win titles.

His unbeaten 170 and 116 was not quite enough to drag the side across the line against South Australia, with teams settling for a draw on a fluctuating final day in Adelaide.

Alex Doolan of the Tigers raises his bat after scoring 100 runs during day four of the Marsh Sheffield Shield match between South Australia and Tasmania at Adelaide Oval in Adelaide, Thursday, November 14, 2019. (AAP Image/David Mariuz)

“I probably do feel like the door is shut a little bit, not in a negative way, I just feel like they are looking at maybe three or four other batsmen around the country who are doing well also,” Doolan said about his Australian prospects.

“For me, my ambition is purely just to win games of cricket for Tasmania and hopefully get some silverware at the end of the year.

“The older I get the less opportunity I am going to get to win silverware for Tassie and at the end of my career I really want to be one of those players who gets known as someone who was in a successful team.

“Test and higher honours, they all tend to take care of themselves when you are playing well but if I took my focus away from Tassie, I think it would be to my detriment.”

Doolan, who turns 34 in two weeks, joins Tasmanian royalty in Ricky Ponting (four times) Jamie Cox (three), David Boon and Dene Hills in scoring a pair of centuries in a single match, with NSW recruits Michael Bevan (twice) and Ed Cowan also achieving the feat.

And while the Tigers were unable to overhaul their 337 run target — having been well placed at 3-240 at one point before Doolan was caught behind — the elegant right-hander said the performance bodes well for the remainder of the season.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA – NOVEMBER 14: Alex Doolan of Tasmania bats during day four of the Sheffield Shield match between South Australia and Tasmania at Adelaide Oval on November 14, 2019 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images)

“I am reasonably proud of what I have achieved, it was a great week for me individually but as a team we are a little bit disappointed we couldn’t get that win.

“Having said that, I think we showed some good signs we have what it takes to be one of the top teams in the competition.

“To push so hard for the win the entire day and then when the whips are cracking to be able to shut down and deny them the victory was really rewarding.”

The Tigers return home for a month long block leading into the Big Bash, with a pair of one day games next week against Queensland and NSW followed by back to back Shield games at Blundstone Arena.