Matthew Wade Readies for Captaincy of Aussie team at T20 World Cup

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Eagerly positioning himself for the forthcoming T20 World Cup, Matthew Wade is embracing the opportunity of captaining Australia on India’s turf, a milestone he affectionately refers to as the ‘cherry on top’ of his extensive international career.

The seasoned wicketkeeper-batsman makes his return to the team following his absence during the recent South Africa series. He now finds himself at the helm of an invigorated lineup poised for a five-match stint in India, just on the heels of the ODI World Cup.


Despite the squad’s boasting of notable talents such as Steve Smith and Travis Head, it was the 35-year-old Wade who was selected for the captaincy. Even with David Warner’s continued presence in the team, a circumstance Wade admits took him by surprise, his focus remains steadfast.

With a robust confidence stemming from his strong performance as the wicketkeeper-batsman at the T20 World Cups in 2021 and 2022, Wade is unequivocally intent on extending the same high level of service for the 2024 tournament set in the United States and West Indies.

Wade, who recently contributed a crucial century to Tasmania’s record-breaking Sheffield Shield run chase, expressed his continued ambition to represent his country on Monday, stating, “The environment around that dressing room at the moment is as good as any time I have seen in the Australian team, so I still absolutely want to play for Australia and strive to play for Australia.”

While there remains some uncertainty about the specific capacity in which he will participate in the forthcoming T20 World Cup – either as the primary keeper or a backup batter/keeper – Wade’s resolve is clear as he says, “I feel like I have nailed that sport down in the last few years for the Australian T20 side. Fingers crossed I get the nod in that.”

Australia’s 15-man squad, which retained Josh Inglis fresh off his wicket-keeping duties in South Africa, also showcases budding talents like opening batter Matt Short, pace bowler Spencer Johnson, and spin prodigy Tanveer Sangha.

This captaincy isn’t Wade’s first; he has stepped into the role before in the face of injuries. However, he draws special pride from this latest assignment where he was selected “before a tour,” a recognition he appreciates deeply.

Reflecting on his career’s latest accolade, Wade concluded, “It’s just a cherry on top after a long career to captain my country in a country which is so much fun to play. It’s going to be a hell of a time.”

The coming series against India is set to be contested on November 23, 26, 28, and December 1 and 3.

Australia’s T20I squad is comprised of Matthew Wade (capt), David Warner, Travis Head, Steven Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Short, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Josh Inglis, Jason Behrendorff, Sean Abbott, Nathan Ellis, Spencer Johnson, Adam Zampa, and Tanveer Sangha.