The interim T20 captain of Australia Matthew Wade has expressed that he did not actively pursue a leadership role on the tour of India but is eager to use his experience for the team in the upcoming T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and the United States next year. However, The Left-handed batter is uncertain if he will be the first-choice wicketkeeper.
The announcement of Wade as the captain of Australia’s squad for the five-match series against India came as a surprise to some people in Australian cricket with Josh Inglis and Alex Carey being primary wicket-keepers for the team across the formats, but it had been in the works for some time as the selectors manage the workloads of their senior players after the ODI World Cup 2023.
Speaking to the media, Matthew Wade said that he is not actively seeking a leadership role in the Australian cricket team. He acknowledged his senior position within the team and his positive relationship with the management. He expressed his excitement at the opportunity to lead the team against India, having played for the Aussies for several years.
“I’ve never really strived so much for leadership, I think you kind of look after your backyard and those things kind of take care of themselves.
“With the relationships that I’ve got with [coach] Andrew McDonald and obviously [head selector] George Bailey and all the coaching staff around the Australian team and selectors, whatever situation I was going to be going over to India in it would have been in a senior role anyway.
“So it’s just a bit of a cherry on top after a long career I suppose, to get another chance to go and captain in a country that is so much fun to play, it’s going to be a hell of a time,” Matthew Wade said.
Australia does not have a permanent T20I captain, with Mitchell Marsh filling the role with great success during the recent South Africa series, which was the first series since Aaron Finch’s retirement. Marsh will be rested from the series against India to prepare for the home Test summer.
I Don’t Know If The Selectors And The Coaches Are 100% Sure – Matthew Wade
Australian cricketer Matthew Wade recently shared his thoughts on his role in the team, ahead of the 2024 T20 World Cup. While it is still uncertain what his role will be, he expressed his desire to continue playing as long as he is fit and confident in his abilities to perform well in upcoming T20 games. He hopes that his strong performances will help solidify his position in the team for the mega event.
“We’ve got the T20 World Cup coming up, whether I’m the number one keeper there and play, whether that be that I go as a spare bat/keeper I’m not 100% sure. I don’t know if the selectors and the coaches are 100% sure.”
But I want to be there. I want to play. If it ends up being that No.7 role as the wicketkeeper, I feel like I’ve probably nailed that spot down in the last few years for the Australian T20 side. So fingers crossed I get the nod in that but if I don’t I’m really comfortable going and playing my role,” Matthew Wade added.
A record 20 teams will fight it out for the World Cup. The eight top-performing teams at the ICC T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia alongside hosts USA and West Indies will automatically qualify for the 2024 edition of the marquee tournament.
