Comment: Is this the real reason Justin Langer won't pick Matt Wade?

Adam Lucius

Comment: Is this the real reason Justin Langer won't pick Matt Wade? image

No-one in Australian cricket will admit it – but it’s crystal clear Matthew Wade has been exiled from the national team on personality grounds under our new PC regime.

Wade is a throwback to the 70s and 80s – an abrasive, competitive, gum-chewing character who gets under rivals’ skin almost as much as he can annoy teammates.

Just look at the way he reacted to fast bowler Riley Meredith as he sprayed the white ball around during the Hurricanes’ BBL win over the Renegades on Thursday night.

Wade could barely disguise his disgust with every passing wide, no ball or boundary.

That’s his make-up – take him or leave him.

Ian Chappell and Allan Border would have taken him, but these are different times for Australian cricket.

Wade has two things going against him.

One, he’s not from Western Australia.

Two, Australia coach Justin Langer is weeding out players who don’t conform to the new ‘play nice’ ethos.

Until Dave Warner’s return, that is.

On current form, Wade should be one of the first batsmen on the plane to India for the upcoming T20 and one-day series.

He is said to be confused and angered over his continued omission.

And who could blame him?

He hasn’t been given an official reason for his snubbing, but somewhat patronisingly advised to ‘keep scoring runs’.

How many more does he need?

The Hurricanes opener has scored six half-centuries in amassing 545 runs during the BBL, second only to teammate D’Arcy Short (595).

He’s hit 19 sixes (third on the list), 45 fours (second on list) at a strike rate of 147.30 (seventh on list)

Wade’s form in first class cricket this season has been equally outstanding.

And at 31, he has plenty of good cricket in front of him.

Yet, Langer has opted to go with Alex Carey and Peter Handscomb to fill the keeper-batsman roles in India.

You get the feeling the Australian coach would pick the Bayswater-Morley third grade keeper over Wade.

As one Australian cricket insider told us: “There is no doubt Wade is paying for the sins of the past.

“He wasn’t an overly popular figure during his time in the Aussies side and definitely pushed the boundaries on occasion.

“Langer is simply not willing to take a risk on him returning.

“On form, he should be in there but the red line seems to have been put through his name.”

Why?

It’s time to come clean, JL.

Adam Lucius