Wade, 36, represented Australia in all three formats, racking up 4682 runs in 214 innings at an average of 27.38. He last represented the Kangaroos against India in Gros Islet where Rohit Sharma’s men knocked the Aussies out of the 2024 T20 World Cup. The southpaw will be taking up a new role in the Men’s coaching setup led by Andre Borovec with his first assignment against Pakistan at home.
“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.”
Wade has been a pivotal figure in Australian cricket, known for his resilience and tenacity as he navigated both successes and setbacks throughout his career, earning his place back in the squad multiple times. Two of his four Test centuries came during the 2019 Ashes, with his last Test appearance occurring two years later, against India in 2021. His last ODI also came in the same year against West Indies when he returned to the unit after four years for a brief stint. One of the prime highlights of Wade’s career was the three consecutive sixes he hit against Pakistan’s Shaheen Afridi to help Australia clinch the 2021 T20 World Cup in UAE.
Nick Hockley, Cricket Australia CEO, said, “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. 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.”
While Wade hung his boot from the international career, he will be representing Tasmania and the Hobart Hurricanes in the Big Bash League for at least two summers.
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