VISAKHAPATNAM: After the T20 World Cup on home soil, Matthew Wade had thought that his international career was almost over. But a year later, the Australian selectors have not only recalled him to the squad but have also asked him to lead the Australian side in the five-match T20I series against India, which kicks off with the first game, here on Thursday evening.
Wade is in the job on an interim basis only, taking over from Mitch Marsh who captained for three matches in South Africa in August, but the southpaw is not fazed by it. The Tasmanian is taking it one series at a time.
“The opportunity to play T20 cricket is something we are excited about. It has been a big few months for the Indian fans and we too are excited to be here and play some more cricket. A few boys have crossed over from the World Cup and the rest are eager to play this series,” Wade said ahead of the first of the five T20Is.
It is going to be quite an interesting series for Wade as his appointment as captain implies that he is still highly regarded by the selectors. Even though, Wade is not sure whether he will be the first-choice wicket-keeper at next year’s T20 World Cup, he can put all speculation to rest if he bats, keeps and leads well in this series
Travis Head, Australia’s hero in the World Cup final on Sunday, is one of the seven players who has been retained for the T20I series but his availability for the opening game is still in doubt due to fitness concerns.
In Melbourne, Mitchell Marsh praised the left-handed opener but wasn't sure whether he could feature in the opening game. "Heady was definitely in the votes. I'm not sure he'll be playing that game. I’m no selector or coach but if he plays that game it will be a miracle," Marsh said as quoted from ESPNcricinfo.
Responding to it, Wade said: “There is not going to be any pressure from us to make him play the first game, but one will definitely see him play in the series. With the World Cup not too far away, every game is important.”
On the pitches in India, he said: “Traditionally, the pitches are very, very good for batting over here. In the West Indies, they tend to slow up and take a little bit of spin. So, any opportunity we get on a slowish wicket with a bit of spin is an opportunity for someone to put their hand up and show what they can do."
