A recent article by Ronan O’Connell highlighted the importance of the second half of the 2019-20 Sheffield Shield season.
He rightly pointed out that there should be no need to make significant changes to a team which has compiled a 9-2 win/loss record, stretching back to the home series against Sri Lanka.
Joe Burns was singled out for comment as one batsman whose opening spot may be up for grabs, but no mention was made of Matthew Wade, which indicates he’s flown under the radar to some degree.
Wade was rightly brought back into the Test team based on weight of first-class runs, especially in Sheffield Shield. He’s now played in three series against England, Pakistan and New Zealand and his results to date have not exactly been overwhelming.
He’s batted 17 times for twice not out and made 554 runs at an average of 36.93. His Test batting average is stuck below 32 and more to the point, because he’s now a specialist batsman, his average is still below his Test skipper.
Included in Wade’s 17 innings since his recall are three scores of 60 or better with two centuries, but his next highest score after that is 38, which for a specialist number 5 or 6 is not a great return.
In fairness, his batting teammate Travis Head has fared little better during the same period, making only 428 runs at an average of 32.92, but Head had fewer chances to bat, averages 41.96 across his Test career and importantly, is only 26 as opposed to Wade who has just turned 32.
There’s no question Wade will tour Bangladesh, barring some mishap, which will potentially give him four more opportunities to cement his place in the Australian middle order.
He’s also lucky on three counts; the Test side is winning and winning well, the batsmen above him are making plenty of runs (which takes the pressure off him to perform) and Wade has virtually no serious competition for his spot, mostly because the other Test hopefuls have been injured.
At some point though, Wade has to start to deliver consistently if he wants to prolong his Test career as a specialist batsman. He has maybe three or four more seasons of Test cricket ahead of him and it would be great to see him finish up with an average approaching 40.
Wade needs to start taking his chances now. Will Pucovski and Kurtis Patterson will not remain injured forever. Both have shown enough to suggest they could be very successful Test batsmen if Wade gives them a sniff.
JC
Roar Rookie
The only bashing that goes on these days is wade bashing. I think his numbers stack up fine but he seems to be a target for people that find him unfashionable. He’s a tough gritty little prick that gets in the oppositions face. And he’s a decent back up keeper. And he’s Tasmanian. Keep.
hilsnz
Roar Rookie
Agreed...plus in a least a couple of those 10 tests he was out chasing quick runs to set up the declaration. Looking forward to seeing how he goes in Bangladesh..hope he does well.
JamesH
Roar Guru
I don't think an average of 37 over the last 10 tests is anything to sneeze at, especially when 5 of those were in England where every batsman bar Smith and Smith Jr struggled. It's not as if Wade was burning through chances this summer; he's done enough to hold his spot for the time being. And that's before you factor in that no one else is bashing down the door.
jamesb
Roar Guru
Also with Labuschagne coming through, there isn't the need to rush someone like Pucovski in the side. Wouldn't mind seeing the first test line up against India unchanged. Eventually there will be changes, but at the moment, why make changes just for the sake of it?
Nudge
Roar Rookie
Pretty well spot on Jamesb. Patterson is a top order batsman so he’s going to struggle now with Labuschagne at 3. Perhaps his best chance is replacing Burns as opener, and I can’t see Pucovski playing for a year or two yet with the issues he is currently going through. Wade has been rock solid since his return. 2 tons in the ashes when no one else could pass 70 bar Smith, and if he didn’t score that 100 in the first test we would have lost the ashes. Then in the Australian test summer, I’m pretty sure he averaged in the 40’s. You must also consider he doesn’t just bring batting to the table. He’s an excellent fielder, brilliant between the wickets and has been in leadership roles for 4 or 5 years now. I didn’t want him anywhere near the test side a year ago, but I’m happy to eat some humble pie and hope he carves out a 4 or 5 year career similar to Chris Rogers. But, like everyone he needs to keep producing
jamesb
Roar Guru
You need someone in the SS to score runs heavily to be considered. Thats what Wade did. Unfortunately Australia doesn't have the batting depth. Pucovski has issues off the field to deal with. And I have doubts if Patterson is a test standard batsman. We can always analyse the current members of the test side with their form and numbers, but if the alternatives are not doing much in the SS, then leave the side as it is.
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
His age can be the only knock on him at the moment. Made some important runs during the Ashes and has largely been setting targets through the summer as the top order feasted. I think the onus is on somebody else to make the runs to kick off the question. Until that happens there’s nothing to see here.
MeffDog
Guest
Great article