Matthew Wade Retires from International Cricket, Transitions to Coaching Role

Matthew Wade has announced his retirement from international cricket and will take on a coaching position with the Australian T20I squad for the upcoming series against Pakistan next month. The wicketkeeper-batter, who was part of Australia's T20 World Cup team in June, had been expected to step away from international play after being overlooked for the UK tour in September.

In March 2024, Wade had already retired from red-ball cricket after Tasmania’s journey to the Sheffield Shield final. Despite his retirement from the international scene, he plans to continue playing in the Big Bash League (BBL) for the Hobart Hurricanes and participate in various franchise T20 tournaments globally.

Wade will join a relatively young Australia T20I squad, which will be coached by Andre Borovec, while head coach Andrew McDonald and his assistants prepare for the Test series against India. Additionally, Wade will informally assist Australia's coaching group during the ODI series.

“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 have been a constant conversation with George [Bailey] and Andrew [McDonald] over the past six months,” Wade stated. “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.”

Throughout his international career, Wade played 36 Tests, 97 ODIs, and 92 T20Is for Australia from 2011 to 2024. He was instrumental in Australia's T20 World Cup triumph in the UAE in 2021, notably scoring an unbeaten 41 off 17 balls in the semi-final against Pakistan.

As he reflects on his international career, Wade expressed gratitude to his teammates, coaches, and family: “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 international level. Without good people around me, I would have never got as much out of myself as I did.”

He continued to acknowledge his family’s support: “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’s Test career concluded in 2021 during India’s last tour, where he made a successful return to the team as a specialist batter in the 2019 Ashes, scoring two centuries. His final ODI appearance came in 2021 when he briefly rejoined the team during the Covid-19 period in the West Indies.

Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley congratulated Wade on his successful international career, stating, “Congratulations to Matthew on what has been a wonderful international career during which his skill and versatility have made him an outstanding performer across all formats. I’m delighted he will add to his massive contribution by coaching the next generation of stars and also continuing to light up the Big Bash with the Hobart Hurricanes.”