Australian stalwart Matthew Wade announces international retirement

Matthew Wade, one of Australia’s most successful and revered players, will begin his journey into coaching following his retirement from international cricket.

Wade played 36 Test matches, 97 One-Day Internationals and 92 T20 Internationals for Australia, his last at this year’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in the West Indies.

The Tasmanian featured in many Australia victories in his 13-year career, none more so than at the 2021 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup where his performance was integral to the team’s success.

He will join Australia’s coaching staff for the upcoming T20 Series against Pakistan under Andre Borovec and be with the group for the ODI Series which starts in Melbourne next week.

While his coaching career begins Wade will continue playing domestic cricket for Tasmania and in the Big Bash League with the Hobart Hurricanes for at least the next two summers.

Wade has been coaching Tasmanian youth and second XI sides during the winter, roles which he hopes to expand in and around the Australian system while playing through the summer.

Matthew Wade said: “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 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.

“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.”

Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley 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.”

Executive General Manager, High Performance & National Teams, Ben Oliver said: “We extend our thanks and congratulations to Matthew on an outstanding international career.

“Matthew was a much-loved teammate in Australian teams across all formats over the past 13 years. His resilience and adaptability were a feature throughout his career, and he should be incredibly proud of the impact that he had at international level.”

“We look forward to Matthew drawing on his wealth of experience as he transitions into coaching, and we wish he and his family the very best for the future.”