Australia’s assistant coach Andrew McDonald acknowledged that Matthew Wade is a good option for the opening batsman but he admitted that the wicketkeeper-batsman comes out best in Test cricket when batting as the middle-order batsman.
His reaction is to the inclusion of David Warner and Will Pucovski in the squad for the third Test against India. As both the openers have returned to the squad, the temporary opener Matthew Wade’s position has become uncertain.
Matthew Wade’s best batting position is in the middle: Andrew McDonald
Andrew McDonald has opined that the opening combination of Australia for the Sydney Test will depend on Will Pucovski’s test result of concussion. But the coach believes that Matthew Wade is best suited for the middle-order batsman job.
“Is Wade and Warner the best opening combination for us at this point in time? I think a lot of that will depend on how Will Pucovski is. I would suggest (Wade)’s best batting position is in the middle … and that’s probably where he’s best suited.“
Matthew Wade had opened the innings for Australia in limited-overs cricket, but he had never done it before in first-class cricket before the ongoing Test series against India. Test captain Tim Paine had praised Wade’s willingness to open before the first Test.
“He’s (Wade) certainly an option to open the batting. No doubt about that. Wadey in particular, we saw against New Zealand last year with the short-ball stuff, he’s willing to put his body on the line for his team. We know he’s as tough as nails and he’ll do a good job no matter where he bats,” Tim Paine said.
It will be interesting to see how will open in the all-important third Test match as David Warner is still not recovered 100% while Will Pucovski has still not cleared Test.