Share

Wade on Test snub: Doesn't really make a lot of sense

Cape Town - Wicketkeeper Matthew Wade feels the reasons given for not selecting him in the Australia Test team for the upcoming home series against Sri Lanka "doesn't really make a lot of sense".

Wade was not included in Australia's 13-man squad for the two-match series that starts on January 24 in Brisbane despite being the top run-scorer in the Sheffield Shield this season.

The left-handed Wade has scored 571 runs at 63.44 with one century and five fifties in Australia's domestic first-class competition but was still ignored even though the Aussie batsmen struggled in the recent home series against India.

Australia did not scored one century in the four-match series against their Asian rivals as India won their first ever Test series on Australian soil.

Wade told SEN Radio: "It's disappointing for me. It seems the criteria when (coach) Justin (Langer) took over was weight of runs, hundreds.

"I feel like I'm ticking all those boxes and the reasons I'm not getting picked is I'm not batting in the top four. It doesn't really make a lot of sense."

With captain Tim Paine taking the wicketkeeper gloves the only route back in the Test team for Wade, who has made 22 appearances in the longest format, would be as a specialist batsman.

Australia's chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns has suggested that Wade bat higher than number six for his state side Tasmania if he wants to be considered for the Test side.

"It's great to see Matthew scoring some runs," said Hohns.

"But if Matthew wants to be considered as a straight-out batsman, it would be nice to see him batting up a little higher for Tasmania and that conversation has been had."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE