Former Australian Test Keeper Matthew Wade Announces Retirement from Red-Ball Cricket
Former Australian wicketkeeper-batsman Matthew Wade announced his retirement from red-ball cricket on Friday.
The 36-year-old will continue to play white-ball cricket for Tasmania in domestic tournaments and the Big Bash League (BBL). However, the upcoming Sheffield Shield final, starting next week, will be his last first-class match.
Wade played 36 Tests for Australia, with his last appearance coming in January 2021. He finishes his red-ball career with a respectable first-class batting average of 40.81, along with 442 catches and 21 stumpings to his credit.
“This decision wasn’t easy, but I want to thank my family, particularly my wife Julia and kids Winter, Goldie, and Duke, for their unwavering support throughout my red-ball career,” Wade said in a statement.
“The challenges of Test cricket have been truly rewarding, and while I’ll continue playing white-ball formats, wearing the baggy green and representing Australia remains the pinnacle of my career.”
Wade, born in Hobart, began his professional career with Victoria after opportunities in his home state were limited. He made his Sheffield Shield debut in 2007 and enjoyed prolific seasons in 2009-10 (677 runs) and 2010-11 (553 runs), leading to his Test selection in 2012.
Matthew Wade Returns Home to Conclude First-Class Career
He marked his arrival with a century (106) against the West Indies in just his third Test and went on to score three more centuries for Australia in the longest format.
While not always considered the most technically gifted wicketkeeper, Wade’s batting ability, both at the top and in the middle order, coupled with his competitive spirit, saw him earn his spot throughout his career.
His recall in 2016, replacing Peter Neville, was met with some controversy, as his selection was seen as a way to add aggression to the team rather than solely based on his keeping skills.
After a decade with Victoria, Wade returned to Tasmania and eventually led the state side as captain. His current team, Tasmania, will face Western Australia in the upcoming Sheffield Shield final.
While recently included in Australia’s T20I squad, Josh Inglis is expected to be the preferred choice behind the stumps for the T20 World Cup later this year.
