Australian wicketkeeper-batter Matthew Wade has officially retired from international cricket and will transition into a coaching role with the national men’s team. Cricket Australia made the announcement on Tuesday, marking the end of an era for one of Australia’s most successful cricketers. 

Matthew Wade Retires from International Cricket, Joins Australia’s Coaching Staff

Wade, 36, played 36 Tests, 97 One-Day Internationals (ODIs), and 92 T20 Internationals, with his final international appearance coming during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.

Wade, who was instrumental in Australia’s 2021 T20 World Cup triumph, expressed his thoughts on the next phase of his career. “I was fully aware my international days were most likely over at the end of the last T20 World Cup. My international retirement and coaching has been a constant conversation with George [Bailey] and Andrew [McDonald] over the past six months,” Wade said, reflecting on his journey.

Wade’s final appearance for Australia came in the 2024 T20 World Cup Super 8 match against India on June 24. Now, as he steps away from the international stage, he has his sights set on coaching. Wade has already completed his Level Three coaching certificate and will be joining the national team’s coaching staff as the fielding and wicketkeeping coach for the upcoming ODI and T20I series against Pakistan.

“Coaching has been on my radar over the last few years, and thankfully, some great opportunities have come my way, for which I am very grateful and excited,” Wade said. “As my international career closes, I want to thank all of my Australian team-mates, staff, and coaches. I enjoyed the ride as challenging as it can be at the international level. Without good people around me, I would have never got as much out of myself as I did."

Wade also extended heartfelt thanks to his family, acknowledging the sacrifices they made for his career. "I also thank my family, mum, dad, and sisters for the countless hours they put in over the years getting me to games and training. Lastly, to Julia and the kids, I can’t thank them enough for the sacrifices they have made for me to continue to pursue my dreams. No words can explain how grateful I am to them; none of this would have happened without their support."

Although Wade’s international career has come to a close, he will continue to play domestic cricket for Tasmania and the Hobart Hurricanes in the Big Bash League for at least the next two summers. He has also been coaching Tasmanian youth and second-XI sides during the winter, adding another layer to his cricketing legacy.

Furthermore Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley paid tribute to Wade, whose standout moment came during the 2021 T20 World Cup, particularly his unbeaten 41 from 17 deliveries in the semi-final. “Congratulations to Matthew on what has been a wonderful international career during which his skill and versatility have made him an outstanding performer across all formats. I’m delighted he will add to his massive contribution by coaching the next generation of stars and also continuing to light up the Big Bash with the Hobart Hurricanes.”