Matthew Wade admits his Test career will likely be over if he is dropped by Australia’s selectors for the Ashes.
The incumbent Test wicketkeeper is expected to lose his spot after a Sheffield Shield campaign in which he only reached double figures once from five innings.
NSW’s Peter Nevill had been considered the man most likely to replace Wade in the Ashes squad set to be unveiled on Friday.
Multiple reports have since emerged indicating that Tim Paine will earn a shock recall ahead of Nevill and Wade.
Wade said on Thursday he was still in the dark about his prospects, rating himself a 50-50 chance to be named and conceding his career was likely at a crossroads.
“If I get dropped now from Test cricket, I’d be surprised if I get another call back,” the 29-year-old said.
“That’d be my second (stint) so I’ll be surprised if I play Test cricket again if this doesn’t work out, but who knows.
“I’ve given myself every chance. If it doesn’t work out, it doesn’t work out but we’ll see what happens.”
Paine’s looming return is something few pundits had seen coming.
Tasmania’s draw with Victoria was his only Shield game this season and it was Wade, not Paine, who wore the gloves, although Paine impressed with the bat with an unbeaten 71.
Wade has averaged just 20 since being parachuted into the Test side in place of Nevill last summer.
While admitting his recent batting performance had not been up to scratch, Wade said he had proven his ability behind the stumps in tough conditions in India and Bangladesh.
And he noted that the leading names put forward for the wicketkeeping job had also failed to make big scores in the Shield.
“(Cameron) Bancroft’s the only one probably in the last couple of games that has really put weight of runs on the board,” Wade said.
“He’s kept the last couple of games so apart from that I haven’t really seen anyone else around the country throwing their hand up to say ‘it’s my spot’.
“I’ve felt good with my keeping for a long period of time now, and I think I’ve proven over a long period of time that I can bat.”
Timmuh
Roar Guru
Drop the gloves, after all even though with the improvements enough drops happen while wearing them. Wade can bat, but has been abysmal form for over 12 months (well before he was panic picked for his batting). Focusing on one skill maybe he can find form, and be an outside chance of one day earning a place. He has never earned it as a keeper. And the top six is very shaky, and set to be for a long time. His athleticism is suited to fielding in covers or similar, no real fear there. Just not keeper or slips.