Gujarat Titans batsman announces retirement to shock cricket fans ahead of IPL 2024
Published - 16 Mar 2024, 12:21 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:27 AM
Australian wicketkeeper batter Matthew Wade has announced his retirement from first-class cricket after opting out of the initial IPL 2024 matches. Matthew Wade’s final red-ball game will be the Sheffield Shield final between Tasmania and Western Australia in Perth.
Wade debuted in first-class cricket in 2007. He amassed 9183 runs at an average of 40.81, accompanied by 19 centuries and 54 fifties across 165 matches. Alongside his batting prowess, he has claimed 442 catches and executed 21 stumpings in his first-class career.
The Hobart-born cricketer played 36 Tests for Australia between 2012 and 2021, amassing 1613 runs at an average of 29.87, including four centuries. His remarkable performance occurred during the 2019 Ashes series against England, where he scored two centuries.
Will Continue To Play White-Ball Cricket – Matthew Wade
Matthew Wade expressed gratitude to his family for their sacrifices following his retirement decision. Wade confirmed his intention to continue playing white-ball cricket for his country.
“Firstly, I would like to thank my family, my wife Julia, and kids Winter, Goldie, and Duke, for the sacrifices they have made throughout my career, as I traveled Australia and the world as a red ball cricketer,” Wade said in a statement.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed the challenges that the long-form game provides, and although I will continue to play white-ball cricket, wearing the baggy green while playing for my country remains a highlight of my career.”
“I am grateful to all of my teammates throughout my career, along with Cricket Victoria for providing me with the foundations to grow as a first-class cricketer, and Cricket Tasmania for supporting me in finishing my career as a cricketer in my home state,” he added.
The 36-year-old boasts a remarkable record of clinching four Sheffield Shield titles with Victoria, two of which he led as captain. His tenure with Victoria spanned ten years before returning to Tasmania in the 2017/18 season.
Matthew Wade will play in the white-ball format for Tasmania, Australia, and the Hobart Hurricanes in the Big Bash League. With the T20 World Cup on the horizon, he is set to don the gloves for Australia in the upcoming event in the West Indies and the USA.
Hopefully, I Can Wind Back The Clock – Matthew Wade after retirement from first-class cricket
Matthew Wade expresses optimism about Tasmania’s chances of clinching the Sheffield Shield title this year, citing their potential to emerge victorious. He aims to replicate the success and contribute to another triumph for his team.
“The last Shield I managed to win was the first time an away team had won in a long time so hopefully I can wind back the clock and get it done again,” he added.
Tasmania lost two matches in the current Sheffield Shield season. Tasmania secured the top spot with five wins and three draws. This achievement earns them a place in the Sheffield Shield final against Western Australia, which is scheduled for March 21 in Perth.
Wade will likely miss the initial matches of the IPL for the Gujarat Titans. The Titans’ first match against the Mumbai Indians is scheduled for March 25. The southpaw’s availability for the subsequent match against the Chennai Super Kings on March 27 is uncertain.
