Tasmanian Matthew Wade called up to Australian World Cup squad

Finally, the weight of runs could be ignored no more, but will the national selectors pick Tasmanian captain Matthew Wade for the World Cup semi-final against England?

Matthew Wade pulls the ball for six to bring up his century for Australia A during the tour match between Northamptonshire and Australia A at The County Ground. Picture: DAVID ROGERS/GETTY IMAGES

EVERY time the selectors put another barrier in front of him, Matthew Wade has jumped until they had no choice but to add the Tasmanian skipper to the World Cup squad.

Now the question is, will they pick arguably Australia’s most in form batsman for the knock out semi final against England on Thursday night?

The selectors said he was batting too low for Tasmania so he went up the order and still made runs.

The selectors said he was more of a wicketkeeper so he gave up the gloves and he still made runs.

The selectors wanted to see more hundreds so he peeled off ton after ton.

Matthew Wade. Picture: DAVID ROGERS/GETTY IMAGES

With the selectors out of excuses, he has been called in to replace Usman Khawaja after the left hander injured his hamstring during the loss to South Africa.

Basically it is down to Wade vs Peter Handscomb for that last spot.

Former Australian captain Michael Clarke is in no doubt who should be selected.

“Great selection- Wade must play!” Clarke tweeted.

Great selection- Wade must play! He is in unbelievable form and it’s the way he is batting- aggressive, intent, looking to take the bowlers on! Exactly what Australia needs to beat England in the semi final. https://t.co/HfwXe0tA6X

— Michael Clarke (@MClarke23) 7 July 2019

“He is in unbelievable form and it’s the way he is batting- aggressive, intent, looking to take the bowlers on! Exactly what Australia needs to beat England in the semi final.”

National coach and selector Justin Langer is not giving too much away yet.

“Wadey has scored hundreds. We know England will play the leggie (Adil Rashid) in the middle overs, maybe Moeen (Ali),” Langer said.

“Pete (plays spin) really well.”

Langer said Wade was in “career-best form” and praised Handscomb’s “excellent temperament”.

Peter Handscomb. Picture: DAVID ROGERS/GETTY IMAGES

Handscomb brings impressive form into the squad, having scored 149 runs at an average of 74.5 and a strike rate of 101.4 in the adjacent Australia A tour.

Impressive, but not in Wade territory.

In his four games, Wade has hit two centuries (including the fastest ever by an Australian in a domestic 50-over game) to average 88.8 runs per hit at a phenomenal strike rate of 182.1.

Surely now is the time to reinstate Wade back into the national team.