Matthew Wade’s cradle of love tribute to family back home after reaching a milstone half century in the first Ashes Test

It was an emotional, heartfelt tribute from Matthew Wade – but the intended recipient missed it because she was “too nervous” to stay up and watch him bat.

IT was Matthew Wade’s heartfelt gesture to his family back home, but the intended target, wife Julia Wade, missed it.

Upon reaching 50, his first milestone since being recalled to the Test team after a two-year absence, the Tasmanian skipper cradled his bat like a baby, paying tribute to his wife back in Lindisfarne, their three-year-old daughter Winter and newborn Goldie, who Matthew was forced to leave behind just four days after her birth.

GLOVES OFF: WADE PROVES HIS WORTH AS TEST BATSMAN

Stream over 50 sports live and any time on your TV or favourite device with KAYO SPORTS. The biggest Aussie sports and the best from overseas. Just $25 a month. No lock-in contract.
Get your 14-day free trial now

But Julie missed it at the time, not due to a new mother catching up on sleep, but because of nerves.

“I was too nervous, I didn’t stay up watching it,” Julia said.

“When I knew he was in I was like, ‘well I can’t start watching it now.’

“I was getting live updates from my brother [Andrew] in Norway.

“I told him, ‘you need to text and tell me what is happening’.

“I turned it on when he was on 96. I was emotional last night.”

Matthew Wade cradles his bat after reaching his half century. Picture: GARETH COPLEY/GETTY

She was able to see her husband score a fairytale century, which, alongside Steve Smith’s heroics, helped turn the first Ashes Test in Australia’s favour.

Matthew Wade celebrates reaching his century. Picture: GARETH COPLEY/GETTY

“I’m just genuinely so happy for him to be honest,” she said.

“I spoke to him this morning and I just told him he deserved it and well done, he did the hard work.

“He said, ‘I wouldn’t be here without you if you didn’t tell me to go’.

“I told him he did the hard work and he said you are doing just as much hard work at home.

“That’s why I wanted him to go because if he was given an opportunity and he failed, that was OK versus not [taking the] opportunity and always thinking ‘what if’ and living with regret.

“We are a team and it is a team effort.”

WADE BACKED BY ‘ULTIMATE TEAM’ AT HOME

Julia Wade, with daughters Winter, 3, and Goldie, seven weeks, was getting live updates from her brother in Norway during Mathew Wade’s innings. Picture: ZAK SIMMONDS

Having seen Matthew’s rocking baby tribute later, she said it was a heartfelt moment.

“That was a special moment that he was thinking of us and acknowledging the family back home,” Julia said.

“He’s proved to himself that he’s good enough.

“He’s just genuinely happy that he’s been able to do what he’s wanted to do for so long given the opportunity.

“This was a true Matthew Wade innings.”

Julia and her two daughters will fly out to join Matthew in London for the second Test at Lords.