Matthew Wade Joins Australia’s Coaching Staff for Pakistan Series

Cricket Australia has announced another coaching shakeup ahead of the Pakistan series with Matthew Wade joining the staff for the three-match T20I series against the Green Shirts.

Wade has officially announced his retirement from international cricket after a 13-year international career spanning 225 games across all formats. And was immediately tasked with an assistant coaching role with the national team, focusing on wicketkeeping and fielding. He had recently completed his Level Three coaching certification meaning he is well qualified for the role.

The 36-year-old is expected to continue to play white-ball cricket for Tasmania, the Hobart Hurricanes, and select overseas leagues.

Pakistani fans remember him as the man who ended their country’s hopes of winning the 2021 T20 World Cup with a magnificent knock in the semi-finals. His 17-ball 41 helped secure Australia’s maiden title in the format.

Josh Inglis is expected to take over the wicket-keeping duties from Matthew Wade in the Australian team. Wade has already endorsed Josh Inglis as his T20I successor and is set to work closely with him during the Pakistan series.

The coaching staff will have their work cut out for them as CA announced that head coach Andrew McDonald will leave the team ahead of the T20 series with Andre Borovec handling the coaching reins flanked by Wade.

Pakistan is bringing its own drama to the coaching merry-go-round after Gary Kirsten’s resignation with Jason Gillespie performing the duties in an interim capacity.