Matthew Wade could force his way into the Australian team for World Cup and Ashes
It remains virtually unthinkable that Matthew Wade would ever play as a Test wicketkeeper again but he’s batting well enough to be considered as a top six batsman.
Matthew Wade has emerged as the sleeper in Australia’s Ashes and World Cup plans.
The Tasmanian is in career best form this season and is the clubhouse leader at the halfway point of the Sheffield Shield competition with 571 runs at an average of 63.44.
Although it remains virtually unthinkable that Wade would ever play as a Test wicketkeeper again, the 31-year-old has performed so convincingly with the blade he’s made himself flexible enough to be picked as a top six batsman in the same vein as England’s Jos Buttler.
Alex Carey is the current one-day keeper and frontrunner to take the gloves at the World Cup, but The Daily Telegraph understands Wade is far from out of the frame.
Wade is averaging 31.66 for the Hobart Hurricanes this BBL season and selectors are well aware what he could offer the Australian lower order.
Carey is the logical back-up keeper to be picked for the 17-man Ashes squad given he would be the most likely next cab off the rank if captain Tim Paine suffered an injury.
The South Australian is also considered a strong enough character to one day captain his country.
However, there is a theory that Australia may need to think outside the square a little when it comes to the reserve keeper position.
By taking Wade in that slot, Australia could give themselves an extra legitimate top six batting option which may be crucial given the lack of depth that’s been exposed this summer.
Australia ran out of form batsmen to pick on the 2013 tour and over the course of five matches, it could prove handy to have a card up the sleeve.
If something did happen to Paine, chances are selectors could still react quickly enough to get Carey on a plane, but in the case of an emergency Wade has played 22 Tests and would be more than capable of assuming the gloves.
However, his primary role in the squad could be as an extra batting option at No.5 or No.6, who is also capable of sending down the occasional sneaky over of medium pace.
Wade was overlooked for the ODI side to face India and it’s unknown whether his name will be read out in the Test squad to face Sri Lanka announced today.
However, he is a player that selectors are watching closely and because of his experience, he’s not someone that needs a trial – Wade could simply be picked if that was the desire when the time comes for the World Cup and Ashes squads to take shape.
Wade has been a strong leader for Tasmania and Hobart this season and would add experience to a very green Australian outfit.
The climate and atmosphere of Australian cricket has changed drastically since Wade last played an international match in 2017, and he may need to curb his reputation for feisty on-field sledging if picked.
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