Matthew Wade to coach Australia in series against Pakistan

Australian wicketkeeper-batter Matthew Wade has retired from international cricket, announcing his shift to a coaching role in Australia’s white-ball setup.

Wade, a vital figure in Australia’s T20 World Cup victory in 2021, will work alongside coach Andre Borovec for the T20 series against Pakistan, which begins next week in Melbourne.

He will also support the squad for the ODI series to follow.

The 36-year-old Tasmanian played 36 Tests, 97 ODIs, and 92 T20Is over a 13-year international career, his final match being at this year’s T20 World Cup.

Although stepping back from the international arena, Wade will continue to play domestic cricket for Tasmania and represent the Hobart Hurricanes in the Big Bash League for at least two more seasons.

Reflecting on his career, Wade said, “I was fully aware my international days were most likely over at the end of the last T20 World Cup.”

He noted that discussions on his retirement and transition to coaching had been ongoing with Cricket Australia’s George Bailey and Andrew McDonald over the past six months.

Wade expressed his gratitude for the opportunities in coaching, stating he was excited for the new chapter.

Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley congratulated Wade, calling his career a “wonderful” journey marked by versatility and skill, and expressed optimism about Wade’s contribution to nurturing Australia’s next generation of cricket stars.