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Matthew Wade, the wicketkeeper-batsman takes a break to consider the birth of his second child and the prospect of being recalled to the Test team.
Glove player Matthew Wade travelled to the UK with Australia A on Monday. He initially stayed in Hobart for the birth of his second daughter, Goldie Hue, who was born last Wednesday. Had it not been for Julia's bold choice, Wade's delayed arrival would have been even later. In order for her husband to be at the birth before leaving for England to plead his case for an Ashes berth, Julia decided to induce labour as A tour’s date was approaching and Goldie was showing no signs of impending labour.
During the last Shield game, with comments about interesting players and a busy schedule, Matthew Wade revealed he had a chat with national selector Trevor Hohns. While it wasn't ideal, he continued, they decided to get his wife, Julia, because she was willing to sacrifice herself so he could go on the trip. At first he was hesitant to go, but Julia convinced him because she saw it as a valuable experience after 18 months of trying. Wade thanked Julia for her support and said that while it was painful to leave his family in Hobart, including younger daughter Goldie and three-and-a-half-year-old daughter Winter, it was bearable because they were there to support him. Before they joined his family, he noted that Goldie and Julia were doing well and that he had more time at home.
Wade's chances of making Australia's Ashes team depend on how well he performs in three four-day games and five one-day games for Australia A. In addition to collecting 592 runs at a stunning rate of 146.89 for the Hobart Hurricanes in the KFC BBL, he amassed 1021 runs for Tasmania last summer in the JLT Sheffield Shield, establishing his case for selection for the A tour.
The 31-year-old sees himself as a wicketkeeper-batter in the Ashes squad, giving the selectors the freedom to accommodate an extra bowler if necessary, although acknowledging that his international limited-overs career may be ended.
Wade admitted he is competing with Test captain Tim Paine for the back-up wicket and is not in contention for a place in the starting XI. He clarified that if the selectors give him a chance, it could be so that they can strengthen the bowling attack by possibly picking two spinners. He envisions himself playing the role of back-up keeper and extra batsman in such a scenario.
Travis Head (c), Matthew Wade, Will Pucovski, Peter Handscomb, Mitch Marsh (vc), D'Arcy Short, Kurtis Patterson, Ashton Agar, Michael Neser, James Pattinson, Josh Hazlewood (vc), Sean Abbott, Andrew Tye
im Paine (c), Marcus Harris, Kurtis Patterson, Will Pucovski, Travis Head (vc), Peter Handscomb, Matthew Wade, Mitch Marsh, Michael Neser, Jon Holland, James Pattinson, Jackson Bird, Josh Hazlewood (vc), Chris Tremain
Matthew Wade's commitment and determination to pursue his cricketing goals along with the support of his family paint a picture of tenacity in pursuing his cricketing ambitions. All eyes will now be on his performance and chances of a Test recall when the Australia A tour begins.
FAQs
Does Matthew Wade have any disability?
At 16, Matthew Wade was diagnosed with testicular cancer and it took two rounds of chemotherapy to eradicate the disease. Wade is also colour blind and faces certain difficulties while playing on field.
What is Matthew Wade’s height?
Matthew Wade is 1.7 metres tall.
What is Matthew Wade’s net worth?
Matthew Wade’s net worth is estimated to be around $5 million. His net worth is influenced by the money he earns from playing in domestic competitions around the world, BBL, Cricket Australia and other leagues.
