Australia appoint new ODI skipper for Chappell-Hadlee Trophy in New Zealand

After Steve Smith was ruled out of the three-match Chappell-Hadlee Trophy to be played in New Zealand in February the Australian selectors have named Matthew Wade as the 24th ODI skipper of the Australia team. His name was decided by the National Selection Panel, and Cricket Australia’s Board of Directors were quite happy to back the wicketkeeper-batsman.

With the captain, Smith ruled out and vice-captain David Warner opting out CA thought of Wade as the best option while also discussing the idea of recalling Warner. “We had a few options as captain in the absence of Steve Smith and vice-captain David Warner but Matthew Wade was the logical option given his leadership experience with Victoria and the fact he is very much a leader within the group already,” said CA’s Interim National Selector Trevor Hohns.

“We did discuss the situation with David Warner, but after doing so the NSP made the decision that it was in his best interests and in the best interests of the team that we continued with our original plan to give him a break for this series. That was our call and, that way, we will ensure David is fresh and ready to go in the build-up to the Test series in India that follows.

Wade on his part is excited on being handed over the responsibility of captaining the team and considers it an honour. “Being asked to captain Australia is obviously not something I was expecting and it is still sinking in, but I am hugely honoured by the decision of the selectors and the Board of Directors and very excited about it,” Wade said in a statement.

Also read- David Warner climbs to pole position in ODIs after Pakistan series

He wants to stick to the routine the team has been developing and wouldn’t want to change much in absence of the experienced duo. “With Steve Smith and David Warner absent it’s an opportunity for me to captain the side for three matches but I’m not about to change too much and it’s a case of trying to continue the disciplines that have earned us success in the recent past.” Wade concluded.

With Smith out young Sam Heazlett has been named his replacement for the tour. The 21-year-old hails from Queensland and is a part of the Brisbane Heat team in the BBL. “With Steve not fit to play we have taken the opportunity to introduce another exciting young player to the Australian team environment and international cricket by including Sam Heazlett.

“Sam showed last summer what a talented player he is by averaging over 40 in his debut season at first-class level and he impressed again when playing for the National Performance Squad against ‘A’ teams from Australia, South Africa and India in Townsville and Mackay during this past winter.” Hohns said.