Matthew Wade, the Australian cricketer and Gujarat Titans player, has officially announced his retirement from international cricket. After a successful playing career, he is now ready to focus on coaching.
Wade will be joining Australia’s coaching staff for the upcoming T20 series against Pakistan, as well as the ODI series set to begin next week in Melbourne.
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Wade has already been coaching Tasmanian youth and second XI teams and plans to stay involved in Australian cricket while continuing to play.
“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,” Matthew Wade said.
Even though he’s starting his coaching career, Wade will continue playing domestic cricket for Tasmania and the Hobart Hurricanes in the Big Bash League, and other leagues for the next two seasons.
Matthew Wade played for Gujarat Titans in the IPL from 2022 to 2024 and won the title with them in 2022. Although he has retired from international cricket, Wade has confirmed he will continue playing franchise cricket. He is expected to enter his name in the auction for IPL 2025 as well.
“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,” he added.
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Wade played a key role in Australia’s 2021 T20 World Cup victory in the UAE
From 2011 to 2024, Wade played 36 Tests, scoring 1,613 runs, 97 ODIs with 1,867 runs, and 92 T20Is, adding 1,202 runs for Australia. He was a key player in Australia’s 2021 T20 World Cup victory in the UAE, establishing himself as a dependable finisher. In the semi-final against Pakistan, he struck a crucial 41* off 17 balls. Wade’s final international appearance came at the 2024 T20 World Cup in the West Indies.
“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. “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 said.
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