Former Australia wicketkeeper-batter Mathew Wade has officially announced his retirement from international cricket after a distinguished 13-year career, making an immediate transition into a coaching role for Australia’s upcoming T20I series against Pakistan.
Wade, who played a crucial part in Australia’s T20 World Cup triumph in 2021, will now lend his expertise to a relatively youthful Australian T20I squad. His announcement comes on the heels of his participation in the T20 World Cup in June, where it was widely anticipated that he would conclude his international career. Earlier this year, Wade had already retired from red-ball cricket following Tasmania’s journey to the Sheffield Shield final.
While stepping back from international duties, Wade will continue to feature in the Big Bash League (BBL) for the Hobart Hurricanes, as well as various franchise T20 tournaments around the globe.
Reflecting on his career, Wade expressed gratitude to his teammates, coaches, and family. “I enjoyed the ride, as challenging as it can be at international level. Without good people around me, I would have never got as much out of myself as I did,” he said. He also acknowledged the unwavering support from his family, particularly his wife Julia and their children.
Throughout his international career, Wade played 36 Tests, 97 ODIs, and 92 T20Is for Australia, with notable performances, including a memorable unbeaten 41 off 17 balls in the semi-final of the 2021 T20 World Cup against Pakistan. His versatility as a player has made him a significant figure in Australian cricket.
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Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley praised Wade’s contributions, stating, “Congratulations to Matthew on what has been a wonderful international career during which his skill and versatility has made him an outstanding performer across all formats. I’m delighted he will add to his massive contribution by coaching the next generation of stars.”
As Wade embarks on this new chapter, he is excited about the opportunities that coaching presents. He has been in discussions about this career shift with Cricket Australia’s management over the past several months, indicating a keen interest in developing future talents.
With a blend of experience and fresh perspectives, Wade’s role in coaching promises to be beneficial for the Australian squad as they gear up for the challenges ahead.
