Wade backed by ‘ultimate team’ at home as World Cup selection looms

Matthew Wade had to leave his four-day old daughter behind to chase his national dream. It hasn’t been easy for his family at home, but it could all be about to pay off.

MATTHEW Wade’s long overdue call up to the national team hasn’t come without sacrifice — including leaving his second daughter behind just four days after her birth.

Goldie Hue Wade was born on June 12, with dad flying out to join the Australia A squad for a tour of England with the hope of finally earning a call up for either the World Cup or the Ashes squad.

An injury to Usman Khawaja has seen Wade in the running to play in the World Cup semi-final against England after his blistering home form was replicated for Australia A.

It has made the sacrifice worth it, but it hasn’t been easy for Wade’s family at home – wife Julia and daughters Winter, 3, and Goldie.

SELECTORS’ DOOR FINALLY BROKEN

Matthew Wade with his new daughter Goldie Hue Wade. Picture: INSTAGRAM

Dad leaving so soon after Goldie’s birth was as hard as it got for the family.

“It was tough, really tough day,” Julia said.

“We spoke about it when we were in the hospital together it was like let’s just make the most of the time we do have together.

“It was that big elephant in the room – we knew it was leaving.

“We just enjoyed the days that we did have together as a family and then dealt with him leaving on that day.”

Wade’s perception as a tough, thick-skinned, gritty cricketer masked a softer side said Julia.

Both girls middle names — Winter Phillipa and Goldie Hue — are in honour of one of Matt’s best mates, Phillip Hughes, who was killed when struck by a ball during a game in 2014.

“He’s a family man and it’s been really hard,” Julia, 31, said.

“He misses us terribly.

“As much as I have sacrificed things, he’s made a really big sacrifice to miss out on these early days with his new daughter.

“There’s no denying it, it’s definitely been hard.”

Julia Wade at home with daughters Winter, 3, and newborn Goldie. Picture: ZAK SIMMONDS

Matthew and Julia returned home to Hobart after a long stint in Victoria for the extra family support for just such situations, but even with video calls twice a day, it doesn’t make the separation any easier, especially as it could last well into September should Wade be picked for the Ashes squad.

Matthew Wade celebrates a century for Australia A last month. Picture: GETTY

“It is his job and I still talk about it now like we are the ultimate team — he’s doing his bit for our little team and I’m doing my bit for our team,” Julia said.

But Julia was adamant that Matt’s inclusion in the World Cup squad made the separation, sacrifice and hard days all worthwhile.

“Absolutely, 100 per cent it is,” she said

“That’s the goal.

“That’s why he did sacrifice these early days [away from Goldie] because it was like, ‘this is my road that I need to travel to get selected, whether it’s as a replacement, I need a World Cup or an Ashes chance.’

“And that’s why I told him to go.

“He deserves the best opportunity to be considered for any positions that come up.

“He had such a good season last year that he deserves to be rewarded and given an opportunity.”