Hurricanes lock away skipper Matthew Wade on long term Big Bash deal

One of Hobart’s most important pieces — and leader — has recommitted his long term future to the club, signing a three-year contract extension as the Hurricanes chase an elusive title.

THE Hurricanes have locked away one of their most important and prized pieces with skipper Matthew Wade confirming his long-term commitment to the side.

Wade has signed a contract extension which ties him to Hobart for the next three editions of the Big Bash.

The national T20 and ODI representative — who led Australia during its five-match Twenty20 series against Bangladesh last month in the absence of the injured Aaron Finch — has become a mainstay at the top of the order for the Hurricanes since joining his home state for BBL|07.

He has formed the most lethal opening partnership in the competition alongside D’Arcy Short, scoring 592 runs at an average of 42.3 and strike rate of 146.9 three tournaments ago, which set the platform for his international recall.

Matthew Wade has signed a contract extension to stay at the Hurricanes for another three years. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

The following summer he scored 351 runs at 50.1 and a tournament leading strike rate of 171.2, which included a breathtaking 130 not out against the Adelaide Strikers.

International duties limited Wade to just three appearances in purple last year but he still made an impact, producing a match winning 86 from just 44 balls against eventual champions Sydney Sixers.

“It’s great to be locked in until 2024,” Wade said of his contract extension, which will see him remain a Cane until at least the end of BBL|13.

“Obviously the last couple of seasons I haven’t been around the squad as much as I would’ve liked due to international commitments. It’s an honour to represent your country, but I also love playing in the Big Bash, so I guess over the past few years it’s been a bit of a win-win situation for me.

Matthew Wade has been one of the most dynamic strikers in the BBL in the past three tournaments. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

“As a team, we didn’t finish the way we wanted to last year despite some really strong performances throughout the tournament.

“However, we’ve got a really great group, and it’s great to see that so many of us are committed to the team for the long haul. I’m really excited to see what we can do in BBL|11.”

Wade departs soon for the UAE, where he will form an integral part of Australia’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup squad.

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