Matthew Wade, the explosive wicketkeeper-batsman, will bid farewell to first-class cricket after Tasmania’s upcoming Sheffield Shield final against Western Australia. This decision comes as the 36-year-old prioritizes his white-ball ambitions, aiming to be part of Australia’s T20 World Cup squad in June.
Missing start for IPL 2024
Wade opted to delay his arrival at the Indian Premier League to be available for this crucial match.
While this will mean missing the initial stages of IPL 2024 with the Gujarat Titans, Tasmania’s quest for their first Sheffield Shield title since 2012-13 takes precedence for him at this moment.
Matthew Wade’s IPL Schedule Impacted by Sheffield Shield Final
While Matthew Wade prioritizes the Sheffield Shield final with Tasmania, his participation in the initial stages of IPL 2024 for the Gujarat Titans is affected.
Due to the final running from March 21st to 25th, he’s certain to miss the first match against the Mumbai Indians on March 25th. His availability for the second match against the Chennai Super Kings on March 27th is also uncertain, depending on travel schedules and recovery time after the Shield final.
He’s expected to be available for their third game against the Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 31st.
Decorated Career for Matthew Wade
Hobart-born Matthew Wade boasts an impressive first-class career, having won four Shield titles with Victoria, two of which he captained. While success with his home state has eluded him so far, he hopes to end his red-ball journey on a high note by contributing to a Tasmanian victory.
Gratitude for Family
In a heartfelt statement, Wade expressed his gratitude to his family and the teams that shaped his career. He highlighted his continued commitment to white-ball cricket, with his sights set on the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Statistical Summary
Across 165 first-class matches, Wade amassed 9183 runs at an average of 40.81, along with 463 dismissals behind the stumps. He commenced his first-class journey in 2007 and has left a lasting mark on the format.
Tasmania Coach applauds Matthew Wade
Tasmania coach Jeff Vaughan lauded Wade’s dedication and professionalism throughout his red-ball career. While acknowledging the conclusion of his first-class chapter with Tasmania, Vaughan looks forward to Wade’s continued contributions in white-ball cricket for the Tigers and the Hurricanes.
Fond Farewell But Not the End of the Story
While Wade’s first-class career draws to a close, his white-ball story continues. His explosive batting and finishing prowess make him a valuable asset for Australia’s T20 aspirations. Fans can expect to see him in action for the Hobart Hurricanes in the BBL for the next two years.
Matthew Wade’s decision highlights the evolving priorities of modern cricketers, where specialization in specific formats is increasingly common. However, his dedication to Tasmanian cricket and his desire to end on a winning note showcase his enduring loyalty to his home state.
