Australian cricket is buzzing with excitement as interim T20 captain Matthew Wade discusses his role and prospects ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup. The announcement of Wade as Australia’s captain for the five-match series against India has sparked intrigue, as he candidly expressed his uncertainty about being the first-choice wicketkeeper for the T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and the United States next year.
Wade, who was Finch’s long-time vice-captain, has stepped into the role to manage the workloads of senior players as Australia currently lacks a permanent T20I captain. Mitchell Marsh, who filled the role recently, is being rested, and ODI and Test captain Pat Cummins is also absent. Wade’s leadership experience and seniority in the squad make him an ideal choice.
However, the uncertainty lies in his role as the primary keeper. The Australian cricket selectors have opted to give Josh Inglis opportunities with the gloves in recent matches, raising questions about Wade’s position in the team. While he remains the captain and first-choice wicketkeeper for the upcoming series against India, Wade is unsure if he will retain that role for the T20 World Cup.
Wade excited for captaincy
“We’ve got the T20 World Cup coming up, whether I’m the number one keeper there and play, whether that be that I go as a spare bat/keeper, I’m not 100% sure. I don’t know if the selectors and the coaches are 100% sure,” Wade admitted.
Despite the uncertainty, Wade’s commitment to the team is unwavering. “I want to be there. I want to play,” he stated. Wade’s impressive performances in recent years, both as a batsman and a wicketkeeper, make him a strong contender for a key role in the T20 World Cup.
The Australian squad for the series against India features some surprises, with senior players David Warner and Steven Smith making appearances. Wade expressed his surprise, emphasizing the squad’s exciting mix of experience and youth. “The guys have been over there for so long, to be honest, and they’re going to hang around and play in those games,” Wade noted.
Wade sees the series against India as the beginning of Australia’s preparations for the T20 World Cup. With only 11 T20Is between now and the tournament in June, the matches against India, along with upcoming fixtures against West Indies and New Zealand, will be crucial in determining the team’s readiness for the world stage.
As Wade navigates the dual responsibilities of captaincy and wicketkeeping, Australian cricket enthusiasts eagerly await his performance in the lead-up to the T20 World Cup, hoping for another triumphant campaign.
“It’s a really exciting squad,” Wade said. “I didn’t expect to see some of the older faces in there. The guys have been over there for so long, to be honest, and they’re going to hang around and play in those games.
“Matt Short, who’s come on in leaps and bounds in the last little bit, he’ll be around there. I was in South Africa and I saw these young guys perform at international level and I’m excited to go out and see them do it in India.”
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