Matthew Wade is an Australian cricketer who is known for his aggressive batting and wicket-keeping skills. Born on December 26, 1987, in Hobart, Tasmania, Wade made his debut for the Australian cricket team in 2012 and has since become an important member of the squad.
Early Career:
Wade started his cricket career playing for Tasmania in the 2006-07 season. He made his first-class debut against Victoria in a Pura Cup match and scored a half-century in the second innings. Over the next few years, he played sporadically for Tasmania and also represented the Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League.
In 2011, Wade got a chance to play for Australia in a T20I match against South Africa, and he scored an unbeaten 72 in his debut match. He continued to impress in domestic cricket, and his consistent performances earned him a spot in the Australian Test team in 2012.
International Career:
Wade made his Test debut against the West Indies in 2012 and scored a half-century in his first innings. He then went on to play a vital role in the Australian team’s tour of South Africa later that year. In the first Test of the series, he scored a century in the first innings and helped Australia win the match.
Wade’s aggressive batting style and his ability to take the attack to the opposition have made him a valuable asset in limited-overs cricket as well. He has played for Australia in several ICC tournaments, including the 2015 and 2019 World Cups.
Wicket-keeping Skills:
Apart from his batting, Wade is also known for his wicket-keeping skills. He is a natural athlete and has been praised for his agility behind the stumps. He has taken some spectacular catches and effected some crucial stumpings over the years.
Captaincy:
Wade has also been given the responsibility of leading the Australian team on a few occasions. He was named the captain of the Australian T20I team in 2020, and he led the team to a series win against India. He also led the Melbourne Renegades in the 2018-19 Big Bash League and led them to their first-ever title.
Personal Life:
Off the field, Wade is married to Julia Barry and has two children. He is known for his love of fishing and often goes fishing during his time off from cricket.