Wicketkeeper Matthew Wade has been announced as Australia’s replacement captain for the ODI series in New Zealand, which begins on Monday.
Wade has ascended to the position after skipper Steve Smith was revealed on Friday to have suffered an ankle injury, causing him to miss the tour. Regular vice-captain David Warner had been rested from the tour in the initial squad announcement.
The temporary appointment is the latest twist in a rollercoaster summer for the Victorian.
Despite a modest start to the Sheffield Shield season, Wade, who captains the Bushrangers, was given a surprise recall to the Test side after the selectors opted to drop Peter Nevill.
Though he endured a tough time with the bat in the longest format, the 29-year-old helped set up Australia’s 92-run victory in the first one-day international against Pakistan, striking an unbeaten 100.
Being selected as skipper is a further boost for Wade, which along with his inclusion as the sole wicketkeeper in Australia’s squad for the Test tour of India, dictates how highly valued he is by the Australian cricket hierarchy.
Meanwhile, Queenslander Sam Heazlett has been announced as Smith’s replacement in the ODI squad.
At just 21 years of age, the left-hander is seen as an exciting prospect for the future. In five List A matches, he has compiled 289 runs at an average of 72.
Recently, he featured for the Brisbane Heat in the BBL.
The following details Australia’s squad for the three-match ODI series.
Pat Cummins, James Faulkner, Aaron Finch, Peter Handscomb, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Sam Heazlett, Shaun Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Billy Stanlake, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade (c/wk), Adam Zampa
GD66
Guest
The last vestige of possibility of this occurred when Pat Howard's fantastic rotation policy was implemented, indicating you couldn't select a bowler as a captain as he would miss every third match. Ironic that subsequently the two main pace bowlers have been flogged mercilessly and both played every game of this summer.
Michael Keeffe
Roar Guru
Part of why they named Wade as captain, because they know most Aussie's won't be watching. Even the the one's with Foxtel will be at work when two of the three games are being played (Mon & Thurs) from 9am - 5pm AEDST. Most cricket followers won't actually see what he does. No way they would be stupid enough to name him captain for any games at home.
Michael Keeffe
Roar Guru
Gold
zenn
Guest
Wade has been picked as the Australian captain. That is not his fault. He appears to be popular and respected amongst his team-mates no doubt helped by his large tattoo of his friend, Phil Hughes. Often being given responsibility is the making of a man. Sometimes teams respond better to a leader who encounters similar struggles to many in the team rather than they do to talented players like Smith and Warner. It's time we put our personal gripes behind us, and start supporting Wade as the skipper of an interesting team that includes some less known players that we may have not otherwise seen. I suggest that Wade and Maxwell have put their differences behind them. Maxwell's outburst was a momentary outburst from another outrageous talent. The future of Australia's success in all three forms of cricket may depend upon the success that Maxwell and Wade enjoy in NZ.
Ashan D
Roar Pro
Aaron Finch
BurgyGreen
Guest
Sneaky. I like it
Ozibatla
Guest
No Sava unfortunately all overseas cricket matches, bar the ashes are only offered to pay TV subscribers
Bfc
Guest
Who decided...That a player, who's position is marginal at best, becomes Capt...Are our WK stocks so poor...?
Ken (Sava) Lloyd
Guest
Pity the rest of the Aussie ODI team in NZ, having to put up with the yapping of Wade ,Duct tape is the only cure for Wade,at least we wont have to look at Spitter Smith for a couple of weeks,although are the games in NZ free to air,? Sava
Jacko
Guest
Same photo?
Peebo
Guest
Like the look of the Qld boy Heazlett. Looks made of rubber or a rubber like substance. Good prospect and the most eye catching youngster in the BBL this year. Wade as captain? If he captains as well as he keeps, he'll go on to be the first skipper to declare an innings in the 50 over stuff
Rob JM
Guest
I feel Wade is the perfect choice as captain of australia, a captaincy that should be extended in to the Sri Lanka T20 series! Obviously we would have to find a replacement keeper for the India tests, but I feel it would be a sacrifice worth making to further Wades career!
Ozibatla
Guest
I remeber commenting on this site a couple of months ago how it appeared Wade was being groomed for an extended stint in the team. Also of his apparent closeness to Smith. I was ridiculed basically and told I had no idea what I was on about. Now he is the interim odi captain. I neednt say anymore. He still may not last the year out but the fact remains he is somewhat revered by those within the dressingroom. Ohh, and Im not a fan of Wade either. Just calling it as I see it
Basil
Guest
Does this mean that he'll go back to batting above Maxwell?
qwetzen
Guest
"...seems bowlers rarely get a look in at captaincy." Yairsss. Interesting when you think about it. The traditional reason for not having a bowler captain in fc cricket is that; "They'll over-bowl themselves.", or the lesser used; "They'll under-bowl themselves.". But in LO cricket neither of those are real possibilities. It can't be "workload" either as several keepers, and Matt Wade, have worn the armband. So why aren't there more bowler captains?
Daws
Guest
Wouldn't have minded Hazlewood, even though it seems bowlers rarely get a look in at captaincy
AREH
Roar Guru
Finch surely would've been the logical choice although going from out of the side to captain never looks great.. Bailey would be the most obvious option if he was actually in the XI. Quite OK with it being Wade, I think it could've been raffled off between himself, Hazlewood, Starc and Head.
dan ced
Guest
I would've picked Head, Hazelwood, and yes, even Finch ahead of Futthew Wade: Grade Cricketer.
Scott Pryde
Expert
As much as I don't like this, it's the only real option.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Ha!