New Delhi: Australia’s defeat to India in the T20 World Cup made him think of retirement, says wicketkeeper-batter Matthew Wade, who announced his intention to quit international cricket Tuesday.
India skipper Rohit Sharma’s 41-ball 92 led India to a 24-run win over Australia in a crucial Group 1 Super Eight match at St Lucia and that match was when Wade understood his time was up.
India qualified for the semi-finals with the win and went on to won the tournament.
“It (the thought about retirement) probably hit home after we lost against India. That was when I really sat down and reflected that that was probably the end of my career. That was an emotional moment,” Wade told cricket.com.au.
Wade also said the rise of Josh Inglis as a keeper-batter who could bat at the top of the order also indluenced his decision.
“The time was right for ‘Ingo’ (Josh Inglis) to come in. You can see what he’s done in the last (few months that) he’s been in the team as the No.1 ‘keeper. He was certainly ready to come in and take that role.
“They’re looking for maybe someone who can bat more top to middle order now as well and that suits him really well.”
Coaching role
Tasmania born Wade also revelaed he isn’t keen to participate in the Indian Premier League mega auction next month, having been a part of Gujarat Titans in its last two editions.
Wade said making himself available for the entire duration of the two-month tournament is too demanding for him at this stage.
“I’m doing the ILT20 which will be straight after the BBL. I’m doing the (Abu Dhabi) T10, which leads straight into BBL.
“So, I’m going over to Dubai at the end of this month. I’ve got some Tassie (Tasmania) one-dayers that I’ve been playing as well. I won’t be in the IPL,” said Wade.
Tje 36-year-old will head straight into coaching and will be Australia’s keeping and fielding coach during their white ball series against Pakistan next month.
