Will Matthew Wade play in the T20 World Cup 2026?

Matthew Wade will travel with the Australian team as an assistant coach and could potentially play as a wicket-keeper if Josh Inglis is unavailable.

Why doesn't Australia have a backup wicket-keeper for Josh Inglis?

The selectors have chosen not to pick a specialist backup wicket-keeper to maintain a balance in the squad, particularly with spinners.

Has Matthew Wade retired from international cricket?

Matthew Wade announced his retirement from international cricket in 2025 but may reverse this decision to be available for the T20 World Cup 2026 if needed.

Home / Sports / Australia's T20 WC Plan: Coach as Backup Keeper?

Australia's T20 WC Plan: Coach as Backup Keeper?

21 Jan

•

Summary

Matthew Wade may play as wicket-keeper despite coaching role.
Australia picked no specialist backup wicket-keeper for Inglis.
Wade's retirement might be reversed for T20 World Cup.

Australia's T20 WC Plan: Coach as Backup Keeper?

Australia's selection committee has adopted an unconventional strategy for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, naming assistant coach Matthew Wade as a potential wicket-keeping replacement.

The team has decided against including a second specialist wicket-keeper for Josh Inglis, who has faced form and injury concerns. This approach means Matthew Wade, a veteran of the 2021 T20 World Cup-winning squad, could reverse his 2025 retirement.

Wade, who is already traveling as an assistant coach, would step in if Inglis becomes unavailable. This mirrors rare instances in cricket, such as Shane Warne's dual role as player and coach for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.