Australian wicketkeeper-batter Matthew Wade has officially announced his retirement from international cricket at the age of 36. Immediately following his retirement, Wade will transition into a coaching position with the national men’s team and is set to contribute to the upcoming T20 international series against Pakistan next month.
Despite stepping back from international duties, Wade’s cricketing journey continues as he plans to maintain his participation in the Big Bash League with the Hobart Hurricanes, as well as competing in various T20 franchise tournaments worldwide.
Throughout his career, Wade accumulated 225 international appearances across all formats. His final match was during the Super 8s phase of the recent T20 World Cup against India. Reflecting on his decision, Wade acknowledged that he anticipated his international career might conclude after the T20 World Cup and emphasized that thoughts of retirement and coaching had been a recurring theme for him over the past six months.
“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,” Wade stated.
Wade’s international record includes playing 92 T20 matches, where he scored 1,202 runs at an average of 26.13. In One-Day Internationals, he made 1,867 runs at an average of 26.29, including one century and 11 half-centuries. Additionally, he played 36 Test matches for Australia, registering four centuries and showcasing his talent during the 2019 Ashes series. As a wicketkeeper, Wade concluded his international career with impressive statistics of 240 catches and 26 stumpings across all formats.
Matthew Wade’s transition to coaching signifies not just a personal evolution in his career but also a dedication to fostering the next generation of Australian cricketers. His extensive experience and understanding of the game will undoubtedly benefit the national team as they prepare for future challenges.
Overall, while fans may miss Wade’s on-field performances, his commitment to cricket in a coaching capacity offers a positive outlook for Australian cricket enthusiasts. Wade’s new role promises to be filled with potential and excitement, both for him and for the future stars of Australian cricket.
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