Matthew Wade has announced retirement from international cricket and is now Australia’s wicketkeeping and fielding coach for the T20I series against Pakistan.
He was Australia’s captain in the last T20I series in India, and the veteran had ended his 13-year-old career. He will continue to play in BBL and overseas franchise leagues.
The southpaw scored an unbeaten 41 runs off 17 balls in the semi-final of the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 against Pakistan. Australia went on to win the game and the final against New Zealand. Matthew Wade then represented Australia in the successive two T20 World Cups in 2022 and 2024.
He played 36 Tests, 97 ODIs, and 92 T20Is, scoring 1613, 1867, and 1202 runs for the champion team.
“I knew my international cricket days were over after the ICC T20 World Cup in the USA and the West Indies. The idea of me coaching Australia was discussed with George (Bailey) and Andrew (McDonald),” he said.
“Coaching has interested me over the last few years and I am thankful that I have been given an oppourtunity for the upcoming seres against Pakistan,” he added.
“I want to thank my teammates and coaches. I enjoyed playing international cricket for Australia. I am also thankful to my family, mum, dad, and sisters for helping me prepare for the games.
“Lastly, to Julia and the kids. They have made sacrifices for me so that I can play cricket. I wouldn’t have achieved so much without their support,” he concluded.
Wade has a Level Three coaching certificate and wants to become a head coach. He is backing Josh Inglis to become Australia’s wicketkeeper in T20Is.