Australian batsman Matthew Wade is mounting a serious Ashes push

Matthew Wade keeps making hundreds and is mounting an incredible case for inclusion in the Ashes. But it’s another set of numbers which could mean his spot doesn’t quite add up.

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The numbers Matthew Wade has posted in England make a compelling case for an Ashes call-up.

But a whole bunch of other numbers could end up working against the tenacious left-hander who in the past 18 months has turned in to the best batsman not in any Australian side.

Wade, 31, has followed a stunning home summer which included over 1000 Sheffield Shield runs and just under 600 in the Big Bash with 469 runs in five games for Australia A in England.

Matthew Wade has been in stunning form for Australia A. Picture: Getty

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He smashed his third century of the tour making 114 an English Lions side on Sunday night around 24 hours after Australian chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns laid out his plans for the make-up of the Ashes squad.

Hohns wants five fast bowlers, two spinners, two keepers plus Steve Smith and David Warner in a squad of 16.

It leaves little room for extras with one incumbent Test batsmen already in the gun. Wade could be locked in a battle with Alex Carey for the second keeper’s spot.

Alex Carey won plenty of admirers at the World Cup for his form with the bat and his toughness. Picture: AFP

Carey took his game to the next level in the World Cup, and his 375 runs, the fourth best haul among Australian batsmen, could outweigh Wade’s 469 against second-string county sides.

Wade knows he could take a tour spot as either a keeper/batsman, or just a batsman.

But it could take a squad extension to 17 for him to get there.

“I think I can do both roles. I have played 22 Test matches, all as a wicket keeper. If I can get a spot on the tour as that dual role and anything happens to Tim I feel like I can stand in and catch them,” Wade said after his latest run haul.

“And vice-versa, I’m playing more as a bat at the moment.

Matthew Wade is firmly in contention for an Ashes spot. Picture: Getty

“Coming here I thought my opportunity would be in that dual role if they wanted to take some extra bowlers or all-rounders, I can do both as needed.

“Fingers crossed I get the tap on the shoulder, if not, I am comfortable with where my game is at and what I have done on this tour.”

Wade has been picked in the 25-man squad for the Australia v Australia A clash at Southampton next week, after which the Ashes squad will be picked.

Originally published as Australian batsman Matthew Wade is mounting a serious Ashes push