Matthew Wade knew his international career was over when Australia made an early exit at the T20 World Cup, and he’s confirmed a move into coaching after his official retirement announcement.
A World Cup winner with the T20 team in 2021, Wade, who turns 37 on Boxing Day, finishes up having played 36 Test matches, 97 One-Day Internationals and 92 T20 Internationals for Australia, having also captained the ODI and T20 sides.
He won’t be lost to the national team, however, and will work as an assistant coach for the upcoming T20 series against Pakistan. Wade will also keep playing in the Big Bash for the Hobart Hurricanes for at least the next two summers.
“I was fully aware my international days were most likely over at the end of the last T20 World Cup,” Wade said.
“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.
Matthew Wade was par of the T20 World Cup-winning Australian side in 2021. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
“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.
“I also thank my family, mum, dad and sisters for the countless hours they put in over the years getting me to games and training.
“Lastly to Julia and the kids. I can’t thank them enough for the sacrifices they have made for me to continue to pursue my dreams. No words can explain how grateful I am to them, none of this would have happened without their support.”
Wade has already begun his shift into coaching, taking charge of the Tasmanian youth and second XI sides during the winter, roles that he hopes to expand in and around the Australian system while playing through the summer.