Australian wicketkeeper-batter Matthew Wade has announced his retirement from first-class cricket, marking the end of an illustrious career in the longer format of the game. Wade’s decision comes after opting out of the initial matches of IPL 2024, signaling a shift in focus towards limited-overs cricket.
The 36-year-old’s final red-ball appearance will be in the Sheffield Shield final between Tasmania and Western Australia in Perth, where he aims to conclude his first-class journey on a high note.
Wade made his debut in first-class cricket in 2007 and has since amassed an impressive record, accumulating 9183 runs at an average of 40.81, including 19 centuries and 54 fifties across 165 matches. His contributions extend beyond batting, as he has also claimed 442 catches and executed 21 stumpings throughout his career.
Having represented Australia in 36 Test matches between 2012 and 2021, Wade leaves behind a legacy highlighted by his gritty performances, including four centuries. Notable among them were his two centuries during the 2019 Ashes series against England.
Expressing gratitude to his family for their unwavering support, Wade affirmed his commitment to continue playing white-ball cricket for his country. While bidding farewell to the challenges of the long-form game, he reminisced about the pride of wearing the baggy green and representing Australia.
Wade’s journey in first-class cricket saw him clinch four Sheffield Shield titles with Victoria, two of which he led as captain. Following his return to Tasmania in the 2017/18 season, he continued to be a pivotal figure in domestic cricket, contributing to his team’s success.
Looking ahead, Wade remains optimistic about Tasmania’s prospects in the upcoming Sheffield Shield final, aiming to add another title to his illustrious career. Despite facing challenges in the current season, Tasmania’s impressive performance secures them a spot in the final showdown against Western Australia.
As Wade prepares to transition to the white-ball format, he will continue to represent Tasmania, Australia, and the Hobart Hurricanes in the Big Bash League. With the T20 World Cup looming on the horizon, Wade’s experience and expertise will be instrumental as he gears up to don the gloves for Australia in the prestigious tournament.
While his availability for the initial matches of IPL 2024 with the Gujarat Titans remains uncertain, Wade’s retirement from first-class cricket marks the end of an era while opening new doors for him to excel in the dynamic realm of limited-overs cricket.
