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One of Australia’s most successful and revered players Matthew Wade, will begin his journey into coaching following his retirement from international cricket.
Wade played 36 Test matches, 97 One-Day Internationals and 92 T20 Internationals for Australia, his last at this year’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in the West Indies.
He will now join Australia’s coaching staff for the upcoming T20 Series against Pakistan and be with the group for the ODI Series which starts in Melbourne next week.
“My international retirement and coaching has been a constant conversation with George (Bailey) and Andrew (McDonald) over the past six months,” Wade said.
“Coaching has been on my radar over the last few years and thankfully some great opportunities have come my way, for which I am very grateful and excited.
“I will continue to play BBL and the odd franchise league over the summer months but around those commitments as a player, I am investing heavily in my coaching.
“As my international career closes, I want to thank all of my Australian teammates, staff and coaches. 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.”
Australia’s captain Matthew Wade in Thiruvananthapuram. (Photo by Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images)
Wade explained to Cricket.com.au that Australia’s exit at the hands of eventual champions India at this year’s T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the United States, was when it hit home he’d played his last in the green and gold, and backed Josh Inglis as his replacement in that format.
“That was when I really sat down and reflected that that was probably the end of my career,” he said.
“That was an emotional moment. The relationships that I’ve built, more over the last three years in that team – I really enjoy playing in that team, and I felt really connected to that playing group and that coaching staff.
“That was a real moment that I sat down and reflected, and probably got a little bit emotional about the whole thing.
“Thankfully I was playing well enough for the last couple of years, and the way that the team lined up with Dave in the team, that I was going to be batting seven, and they wanted me to continue that position in the finishing role.
“The time was right for Ingo (Inglis) to come in. You can see what he’s done in the last (few months that) he’s been in the team as the No.1 ‘keeper. He was certainly ready to come in and take that role.
“They’re looking for maybe someone who can bat more top to middle order now as well and that suits him really well. So really comfortable and happy he’s got an opportunity now.”
Matthew Wade (Photo by Matt King – CA/Cricket Australia/Getty Images)
Wade will continue playing domestic cricket for Tasmania and in the Big Bash League with the Hobart Hurricanes for at least the next two summers and has been coaching Tasmanian youth and second-XI sides during the winter.
Wade holds ambitions to one day be a head coach after completing his Level Three coaching certificate.
Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley paid tribute to Wade whose career highlight came in 2021, helping to deliver Australia their maiden men’s T20 World Cup title in the UAE. Particularly with a thrilling 41* from just 17 deliverers in the semi-final.
“Congratulations to Matthew on what has been a wonderful international career during which his skill and versatility have 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 and also continuing to light up the Big Bash with the Hobart Hurricanes.”
Those praises were echoed by Executive General Manager, High Performance & National Teams, Ben Oliver.
“We extend our thanks and congratulations to Matthew on an outstanding international career,” Oliver said.
“Matthew was a much-loved teammate in Australian teams across all formats over the past 13 years.
“His resilience and adaptability were a feature throughout his career, and he should be incredibly proud of the impact that he had at international level.
“We look forward to Matthew drawing on his wealth of experience as he transitions into coaching, and we wish he and his family the very best for the future.”