Australian wicketkeeper-batter Matthew Wade is set to retire from international cricket. He will be joining the coaching staff of the Australia men’s cricket team as announced by Cricket Australia on Tuesday.
Wade, who made his international debut back in 2011, featured in 36 Tests, 97 ODIs and 92 T20Is. for Australia. His last appearance at the international circuit came in the 2024 T20 World Cup.
“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 with George (Bailey) and Andrew (McDonald) over the past six months,” Wade said on his retirement.
“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,” Wade added.
“As my international career closes, I want to thank all of my Australian team mates, 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,” Wade further added.
“I also thank my family, mum, dad and sisters for the countless hours they put in over the years getting me to games and training. Lastly to Julia and the kids. I can’t thank them enough for the sacrifices they have made for me to continue to pursue my dreams. No words can explain how grateful I am to them, none of this would have happened without their support,” Wade concluded.
The 36-year-old will join Australia’s coaching staff for the upcoming T20I series against Pakistan under Andre Borovec and be with the group for the ODI Series which starts in Melbourne next week. Wade will continue playing domestic cricket for Tasmania and will also feature in the Big Bash League (BBL) for the Hobart Hurricanes.
