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My international career is over: Wade

Matthew Wade of the Hurricanes plays a shot during the Big Bash League (BBL) match between the Hobart Hurricanes and the Brisbane Heat at Blundstone Arena, Hobart, Tasmania, on Monday, January 15, 2018. (AAP Image/Rob Blakers)
1st February, 2018
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Australian wicketkeeper Matthew Wade says he has made peace with the fact his international career is over, but he hopes to keep playing on the domestic front for up to five more years.

Wade scored 71 runs off 45 balls to help lead the Hobart Hurricanes to a 71-run victory over the Perth Scorchers in Thursday night’s BBL semi-final at Optus Stadium.

The 30-year-old now has the chance to end the summer with a domestic T20 title.

That trophy would be a small but important consolation prize after Wade was dumped from Australia’s Test and ODI sides during the home summer.

Tasmanian Tim Paine has since risen to be Australia’s premier wicketkeeper, with the likes of Alex Carey set to be next in line.

“When you get dropped from all formats in summer, I would be surprised if they go back to me,” Wade said.

“Alex Carey’s playing good cricket, I would assume he’d be the next option for Australia in short format.

“But I’m comfortable with that. I understand that. It’s a reality for me.

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“I got an opportunity to play a lot for Australia, and I’m thankful I did get that opportunity.

“Now it’s just about enjoying my cricket for the next three, four, five years hopefully.”

Hobart only just scraped into the BBL finals following Brisbane’s final-round loss to the Renegades.

Now, the Hurricanes are just one win away from BBL glory, with the fourth-ranked side to play an away title decider against either the Adelaide Strikers or Renegades on Sunday.

Wade said his international axing had freed him up for the BBL season.

“I didn’t feel like it (the pressure of keeping my spot) was taking a toll at the time. But once it (the axing) was done, I felt a lot more relaxed and a lot calmer,” he said.

“I was disappointed I didn’t get picked in the one-dayers, but that’s just what it is.”

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Hobart put in a near-perfect performance against the Scorchers at Perth’s new $1.5 billion venue.

After posting 4-210, the Hurricanes skittled Perth for 139 in 17.5 overs.

Paceman Tom Rogers (3-31) and Dan Christian (4-17) starred with the ball, while Wade, and Ben McDermott (67no off 30 balls) did the damage with the bat.

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