Matthew Wade Retirement: Australia veteran Matthew Wade has announced his international retirement, as the wicket-keeper batsman calls a quit on his 13-year career with the national side. The decision comes in with an immediate effect, and the 2021 T20 World Cup winner will now join the side's coaching staff for their three-match T20I series at home vs Pakistan.
Matthew Wade made 97 ODI appearances, 92 T20I appearances, and 36 Test appearances for Australia, but will be fondly remembered for his iconic unbeaten 41 off 17 balls against Pakistan in the semi-final of the T20 World Cup 2021 UAE, where the ‘then 33-year-old’ smashed Shaheen Shah Afridi for three consecutive sixes to seal a memorable win for Australia, who then went on to win it all, with defeat of Trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand in the final.
Official Statement Of Matthew Wade On His International Retirement
"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. 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 (Big Bash League) 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 team mates, 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."