“We’re Expecting Them To Hit Us With A Fair Bit Of Spin”: Matthew Wade Anticipates Spin Challenge in Super-8

June 15, 2024 0 780

Australia’s Matthew Wade shared that he expects a spin challenge in the Super Eight stage and also hinted at his possible retirement.

Australia’s vice-captain, Matthew Wade, expects the team to face a significant challenge from spin bowling in the upcoming Super Eight stage of the T20 World Cup.

Australia has already secured its place in the next round after winning its first three matches. However, their path to a potential second T20 World Cup title will not be easy. They are likely to face teams known for their spin skills in Group 1, including India, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh.

“We’ve been preparing for a lot of spin bowling, depending on the conditions. The guys have been working on this throughout the IPL and leading into the World Cup,” Wade said, as quoted by News18.

Australia’s next match against Scotland might seem insignificant, as they have progressed regardless of the outcome. However, the result has major implications for defending champion England, whose tournament hopes depend on it. An Australian victory would knock England out, adding extra spice to the encounter.

“We expect all these teams to be very difficult opponents. We anticipate them using a lot of spin bowling against us in the next round,” added Wade.

Spin is expected to be a key factor in the slower Caribbean pitches. While India primarily relied on their pacers in the USA, they possess a formidable spin attack with players like Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Kuldeep Yadav.

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Even without their injured spinner, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Afghanistan boasts world-class spinners like Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmed, and Mohammad Nabi. Bangladesh’s rising star, Rishad Hossain, who has already taken seven wickets in three matches, poses another spin threat.

At 36, Wade remains a vital member of the Australian team, especially as a finisher at number 7. He hinted at a possible retirement after this World Cup. “I tend to perform well in high-pressure situations. Hopefully, I can contribute significantly to the upcoming matches. There will be changes to the team after the tournament, and I’m okay with it if I’m one of them to make way for the next generation of Australian cricketers,” concluded Wade.