Cricket Australia announced Tuesday that Australian batsman-wicketkeeper Matthew Wade has retired from international cricket and will join the national Men’s team coaching staff.
Since making his debut for his country in October 2011, Wade has played in 36 Test matches, 97 One-Day Internationals, and 92 Twenty20 Internationals. His most recent appearance was in the T20 World Cup in June 2024.
“I was fully aware at the end of the last T20 World Cup that my international days were probably over,” Wade remarked about his retirement. Over the past six months, George (Bailey) and Andrew (McDonald) have talked non stop about my overseas retirement and coaching.
“Over the past few years, coaching has been on my radar, and I am thrilled and appreciative for the beautiful chances that have presented themselves.
“Over the summer, I’ll still play in the BBL and the occasional franchise league, but I’m investing in my coaching to balance those obligations as a player.
Even though it was as tricky as it could be on a global scale, I relished the ride. I couldn’t have achieved as much as I did without the support of wonderful people.
“My mother, father, and sisters deserve special recognition for the innumerable hours they have dedicated to getting me to training and games throughout the years.
“To Julia and the children, lastly. I am incredibly grateful for their sacrifices in continuing to pursue my goals. I cannot express how appreciative I am to them; without their help, none of this would have been possible.
He will accompany the team for the ODI Series, which begins in Melbourne next week, and join the coaching staff for Australia’s forthcoming T20I series against Pakistan, which Andre Borovec will coach. But for the next two summers, he will still play domestic cricket for the Tasmania and Hobart Hurricanes in the Big Bash League.
The CEO of Cricket Australia, Nick Hockley, congratulated Matthew on an incredible international career in which his talent and adaptability have made him a standout performer in every format.
“We would like to express our gratitude and congratulate Matthew on an exceptional international career,” said Ben Oliver, Executive General Manager of High Performance and National Teams.
Over the previous 13 years, Matthew was a beloved teammate in all formats for Australian teams. Throughout his career, he showed persistence and adaptability, and he should be immensely proud of his global influence.
“We wish Matthew and his family the best of luck in the future and look forward to him using his extensive experience as he moves into teaching.