Monday, February 27, 2012

Wade looking at home on the big stage

Australia's new wicket-keeper Matthew Wade continued to impress on the international stage, hitting a well-built half century as the Aussies claimed a comfortable 87-run victory against India.

The 24-year old has looked very much at home in the Australian one-day side since being given the nod ahead of an out-of-form Brad Haddin for the current Tri-Nation tournament against India and Sri Lanka, matching some solid glove-work with some consistent runs in the middle order. Those following the international cricket betting will be keeping an eye on him.

Chairman of selectors John Inverarity admitted Wade was being groomed as the long-term custodian of the keeper gloves, not only in the one-day side, but also on the Test stage, a major factor in the decision to drop the 34-year-old Haddin for this series.

"We were keen to further develop Matthew Wade and have a look at him. We'd identified him as the second wicketkeeper in Australia," Inverarity said.

"We want to know that we've got more than one keeper of international standard and blooded, ready for the fray of Test cricket whenever required."

With Australia preparing to set off to the Caribbean for their Test series against the West Indies, it will be interesting to see whether or not Wade is given the chance to prove himself in the Test side. Haddin's case is hardly being helped by disappointing form of late and this could well spell the end of his international career.

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