Australian stalwart Matthew Wade announces international retirement

After retiring from international cricket, Matthew Wade, one of Australia's most renowned and accomplished players, will start his coaching career.

Wade represented Australia in 36 Test matches, 97 One-Day Internationals, and 92 T20 Internationals, with his final appearance occurring at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup in the West Indies this year.

Throughout his 13-year career, the Tasmanian played a key role in numerous Australian victories, but none were more significant than the 2021 ICC Men's T20 World Cup, where his performance was crucial to the team's triumph.

He will accompany the team for the ODI Series, which begins in Melbourne next week, and join the coaching staff for Australia's forthcoming T20 Series against Pakistan, which will be coached by Andre Borovec.

Wade will play domestic cricket for Tasmania and the Hobart Hurricanes in the Big Bash League for at least the next two summers while he starts his coaching career.

Throughout the winter, Wade has been coaching Tasmanian youth and second XI teams; as he plays into the summer, he aims to enhance his responsibilities within the Australian system.

"I was fully aware at the end of the last T20 World Cup that my international days were probably over," stated Matthew Wade. Over the past six months, George (Bailey) and Andrew (McDonald) have been talking nonstop about my overseas retirement and coaching.

"Over the past few years, coaching has been on my radar, and I am thrilled and appreciative for the wonderful chances that have presented themselves.

"As a player, I will continue to play in the BBL and the occasional franchise league throughout the summer, but I am making significant investments in my coaching in between those obligations.

"I would like to express my gratitude to all of my Australian teammates, coaches, and staff as my international career comes to an end. Even though it was as difficult as it could be on a global scale, I relished the ride. I couldn't have achieved as much as I did without the support of wonderful people.

I also want to express my gratitude to my parents, sisters, and mother for the many hours they have spent over the years transporting me to practices and games.

And finally, to Julia and the children. For the sacrifices they have made so that I can keep pursuing my goals, I am incredibly grateful. I cannot express how appreciative I am to them; without their help, none of this would have been possible.

Nick Hockley, CEO of Cricket Australia, congratulated Matthew on an incredible international career in which his talent and adaptability have made him a standout performer in every format.

"I'm thrilled he will continue to light up the Big Bash with the Hobart Hurricanes and add to his enormous contribution by coaching the next generation of stars."

"We would like to express our gratitude and congratulate Matthew on an exceptional international career," said Ben Oliver, Executive General Manager, High Performance & National Teams. 

Over the previous 13 years, Matthew was a beloved teammate in all formats for Australian teams. Throughout his career, he shown persistence and adaptability, and he should be immensely proud of the influence he made on a global scale.

"We wish Matthew and his family all the best for the future and look forward to him using his extensive experience as he moves into coaching."