The wicketkeeper-batter will continue playing for Tasmania and the BBL for the next two summers
Australia wicketkeeper-batter Matthew Wade, on October 29 (Tuesday), announced his retirement from international cricket, Cricket Australia (CA) confirmed. Wade will join Australia’s support staff for the upcoming T20 International (T20I)series against Pakistan at home under Andre Borovec.
Wade will, however, continue playing domestic cricket for Tasmania and the Big Bash League with the Hobart Hurricanes, at least for the next couple of summers.
Wade played 36 Tests, 97 One-Day Internationals (ODI) and 92 T20 Internationals (T20I), since making his debut in 2011. He also played a role in Australia’s maiden T20 World Cup victory in 2021.
“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,” the 36-year-old said in a statement.
“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.
“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.
“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.”
Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley also congratulated Wade on an outstanding international career.
“Congratulations to Matthew on what has been a wonderful international career during which his skill and versatility has made him an outstanding performer across all formats,” he said.
“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.”
Wade ends his international career with five centuries, four of which came in Test cricket, scoring 4,682 runs across formats. He also led his country in 13 T20Is.
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