Australian wicketkeeper-batter Matthew Wade has officially announced his retirement from international cricket at the age of 36. His decision comes as he prepares to step into a coaching role with the Australian men’s team, starting with their upcoming T20 international series against Pakistan next month.
Although Wade has concluded his international career, he will continue to participate in the Big Bash League for the Hobart Hurricanes and various T20 global franchise tournaments. Throughout his career, Wade made a total of 225 appearances for Australia across all formats, with his last match played during the Super 8s phase of this year’s T20 World Cup against India.
Wade reflected on his retirement, stating, “I was fully aware my international days were most likely over at the end of the last T20 World Cup. My international retirement and coaching has been a constant conversation over the past six months.” He expressed excitement about the coaching opportunities that have come his way, which he has been considering for the past few years.
In terms of his statistics, Wade played in 92 T20 matches, scoring 1,202 runs with an average of 26.13. In one-day internationals, he amassed 1,867 runs over 83 innings, achieving one century and 11 half-centuries. He also participated in 36 Test matches, scoring four centuries and being part of the squad during the 2019 Ashes series. Additionally, as a wicketkeeper, he recorded 240 catches and 26 stumpings throughout his international career.
Wade’s transition from player to coach demonstrates a positive pathway in sports, showing that a career in athletics can evolve beyond playing. This new chapter in his career promises to be rewarding, not just for him but potentially for the next generation of cricket players he will mentor.
In summary, Matthew Wade’s retirement marks the end of a significant era for Australian cricket, but his continued involvement through coaching and franchise cricket offers him a new avenue to impact the sport positively.
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