Pugnacious Wade Ever Ready For A Pay-Back

The ’keeper-batsman lifted his team’s spirits with a typically Australian approach in the Ashes

- S. Dinakar

With his scruffy appearance, combativeness and a penchant for exchanging words, Matthew Wade is a “fair dinkum Aussie”.

You can picture him on the outback, living the hard life. The 31year-old Wade, when handed a lifeline during an unforgettable Ashes series, breathed life into this Australian team.

It was not just about his gutsy lefthanded batting against Jofra Archer’s extreme pace or his two flamboyant Test hundreds under pressure or his sharp reflex catches close to the wicket.

Feisty approach

Wade brought with him a feisty, typically Australian approach, often getting under the skin of the batsmen with his chatter from shortleg, or verbal duels with the bowlers, without crossing the line.