Australian Wicketkeeper-Batter Announces Retirement from International Cricket
Retirement Announcement: Australian wicketkeeper-batter Matthew Wade has officially announced his retirement from international cricket after a distinguished 13-year career. The 36-year-old played a total of 225 international matches for Australia, contributing significantly across formats.
Career Highlights:
- Wade participated in three T20 World Cups, with his crowning achievement coming in 2021 when he played a pivotal role in securing Australia's first T20 title in Dubai as vice-captain.
- He was instrumental in the semi-final against Pakistan, scoring a rapid 41* off just 17 balls, showcasing his ability to perform in high-pressure situations.
International Statistics:
- T20 Internationals: 92 matches, 1,202 runs at an average of 26.03 and a strike rate of 134.15. His best score was 80, and he recorded three half-centuries.
- One Day Internationals (ODIs): 97 matches, 1,867 runs at an average of 26.29, including one century and 11 fifties.
- Test Matches: 36 appearances, scoring 1,613 runs with an average of 29.87. He registered four centuries and five half-centuries, with his highest score being 117 against England during the 2019 Ashes at The Oval.
Future Plans: Although Wade will step back from international duties, he plans to continue playing at the domestic level in Australia, including participation in the Big Bash League (BBL) and various franchise leagues worldwide. Furthermore, he will begin his coaching career immediately, having been included in Australia’s coaching staff for the upcoming T20I series against Pakistan.
Personal Reflection: Wade expressed his excitement about transitioning into coaching, emphasizing that this was a goal he had been working toward. “I was fully aware my international days were most likely over at the end of the last T20 World Cup,” he stated, mentioning that discussions regarding his retirement and coaching opportunities had been ongoing with selectors and coaches over the past six months.
He expressed gratitude towards his teammates, coaching staff, and everyone involved in his journey, noting that their support was instrumental in his achievements. Wade remarked, “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 an international level.”
