Matthew Wade says he’s not the only cricketer feeling frustrated at mixed messages from Australian selectors.
Wade says he’s no longer “hung up” on being snubbed but admits annoyance at the reasoning from national selectors.
“It’s just a little bit frustrating,” Wade said after blasting an unbeaten 84 from 49 balls for the Hobart Hurricanes in Monday night’s BBL match.
“And I don’t think I’m just talking for myself, I think all players around the country – if the criteria is hundreds and scoring runs, then pick the guys that are doing it.
“If that is not the criteria, then let us know.”
Wade, who has now scored 1084 runs in all formats this summer, said he would have loved a chance to press his Test claims by playing for a Cricket Australia XI in a tour match against Sri Lanka.
NSW’s Kurtis Patterson struck twin tons in the tour game and has been rewarded with selection in Australia’s squad for the first Test against the Lankans.
Wade had previously been told by chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns that he wasn’t gaining selection because he batted too low in Tasmania’s order.
“It’s just hard, you know. I get told one thing and then I see the comments in the paper the next day about Kurtis, about piling runs on and getting picked,” Wade said.
“So I don’t know, it’s a little bit frustrating … I don’t think it’s going to change. I’m not sure what is going on.”
Wade said he was now refusing to dwell on being overlooked.
“Two weeks ago I was a little bit hung up on it and didn’t really know why I wasn’t getting an opportunity,” he said.
“And now, it doesn’t really worry me too much.
“I don’t play cricket solely to play for Australia. I play cricket to win games for the Hurricanes and win games for the Tigers.
“I have done that throughout my whole career, I have never been the guy that goes out and plays for individual accolades.
“If I start to do that now, it won’t go well for me.
“In terms of changing my (batting) position in the Tassie line-up, I will bat wherever it’s best for the team. I’ll keep (wicketkeep) if that is best for the team.
“I’m not putting myself in front of the team success.”
Pete
Guest
Yes, he won’t tackle, let alone pass the ball
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
He must think a test spot is his right. No wonder he is not suited to a team set up.
PaulB
Guest
Totally agree Paul. He just needs to stop talking and keep delivering and put himself into a position where the selectors have no choice but to pick him. I was backing Wade 100% before he started talking about it but after whining to the press on 3 seperate occasions (whilst telling them he's got over it), I just wish he'd keep his mouth shut.
Pumping Dougie
Roar Guru
Agreed Paul. Not sure how he can say he would never put his individual needs first ahead of the team, when that's exactly what he repeatedly did for Victoria (ahead of Handscomb, White and Maxwell). Hard not to conclude he is a ruthless, selfish, individual and a poor leader. But I'm glad to hear him calling the selectors out on their inconsistencies.
Paul D
Roar Guru
Normally I'd feel sorry for Wade, but the irony of being told he's batting too low in the order to be considered after he shafted Maxwell a year or two for EXACTLY the same reason is beyond hilarious. reap what you sow
Sinclair Whitbourne
Roar Rookie
I think we do need to get some clear communication (especially to the players) about what the selectors are looking for and some consistency of selection with the criteria communicated. There will always be a bit of art, as well as science in selections but it's hard not to feel that some players are not being picked for reasons other than those being advanced; Maxwell, Neville and Wade being amongst them. I am not necessarily of the view that they should be in the test side but the selectors comments about them do seem to be hard to understand at times. Ideally a panel would include someone who has (in addition to cricketing nouse) good ability to communicate with players and someone who has the ability to chair a meeting (not an easy thing).
David
Guest
The selectors are a law unto themselves, no accountability at all. Players get dropped after one bad test, it these selectors hang around forever. There is no transparency to players or supporters. At least Chappell and Langer are greats of the game, but Hohns.... he abandoned Australian cricket to go play on rebel tours, he was a pretty nothing cricketer. My choice of selectors would be. Johnson Rogers Katich