Australian cricket veteran Matthew Wade makes retirement call on the eve of the Australian summer

On the eve of the international summer of cricket, Australian veteran Matthew Wade has announced his retirement – with a nod to the next step in his career.

Matthew Wade’s long and winding international career is officially over.

Cricket Australia announced on Tuesday that the World Cup-winning gloveman and occasional national white-ball skipper had called time on his career for Australia.

As revealed by this masthead last week, Wade will take up a coaching role with the Australian white-ball side during its upcoming series against Pakistan.

Wade, who turns 37 on Boxing Day, had appeared long odds to play for his country again after being dropped following June’s Twenty20 World Cup.

Across a career replete with stops and starts, Wade played 36 Tests, 97 one-day internationals and 92 Twenty20 internationals.

Matthew Wade had a decorated Test, ODI and T20 career. Picture: Getty

His standout showings came when he made two tons to help Australia retain the Ashes in 2019, and in 2021 when he and Marcus Stoinis combined to haul Australia to victory from a perilous spot in the T20 World Cup semi-final against Pakistan.

Wade will continue to play domestically for Tasmania in one-day cricket and for the Big Bash League’s Hobart Hurricanes.

“I was fully aware my international days were most likely over at the end of the last T20 World Cup. My international retirement and coaching has been a constant conversation with George (Bailey) and Andrew (McDonald) over the past six months,” Wade said.

“Coaching has been on my radar over the last few years and thankfully some great opportunities have come my way, for which I am very grateful and excited.

“I will continue to play BBL and the odd franchise league over the summer months but around those commitments as a player I am investing heavily in my coaching.

Matthew Wade has announced his retirement from international cricket. Picture: Tama Stockley/Cricket Australia

“As my international career closes, I want to thank all of my Australian teammates, staff and coaches. I enjoyed the ride as challenging as it can be at international level. Without good people around me I would have never got as much out of myself as I did.

“I also thank my family, mum, dad and sisters for the countless hours they put in over the years getting me to games and training.

“Lastly to Julia and the kids. I can’t thank them enough for the sacrifices they have made for me to continue to pursue my dreams. No words can explain how grateful I am to them, none of this would have happened without their support.”

Cricket Australia chief Nick Hockley said: “Congratulations to Matthew on what has been a wonderful international career during which his skill and versatility has made him an outstanding performer across all formats.

“I’m delighted he will add to his massive contribution by coaching the next generation of stars and also continuing to light up the Big Bash with the Hobart Hurricanes.”

Originally published as Australian cricket veteran Matthew Wade makes retirement call on the eve of the Australian summer