October 29, 2024: Australian wicketkeeper-batter Matthew Wade announced his retirement from international cricket on Tuesday, concluding a 13-year career that included 225 international appearances for Australia.
The 36-year-old leaves a significant legacy, having represented his country in three editions of the T20 World Cup, with a standout moment in 2021 when he helped Australia clinch their first 20-over title as vice-captain in Dubai. His memorable innings of 41* off just 17 balls during the semi-final against Pakistan was a highlight of that tournament.
Wade also had a successful Test career, playing 36 matches and scoring 1,613 runs, including four centuries and five fifties, with a best score of 117 in the 2019 Ashes Test at The Oval. In One Day Internationals (ODIs), he made 97 appearances, amassing 1,867 runs at an average of 26.29, which included one century and 11 fifties. In T20Is, he played 92 matches, scoring 1,202 runs with a strike rate of 134.15 and three half-centuries, his highest score being 80.
Though retiring from international play, Wade will continue his cricketing career at the domestic level and in franchise leagues worldwide. He is set to begin a coaching journey, having been included in the Australian coaching staff for next month’s T20I series against Pakistan.
Wade expressed enthusiasm for this next chapter, noting that coaching had been on his radar for several years. He acknowledged discussions with selectors George Bailey and Andrew McDonald about his future, stating, “Coaching has been on my radar… and thankfully some great opportunities have come my way.”
He also thanked his teammates, coaches, and staff, emphasizing that their support played a crucial role in his international success. Wade looks forward to balancing his commitments in the Big Bash League and franchise leagues while investing in his coaching career.
