Steve Smith rules out Peter Handscomb's chances of taking wicketkeeping duties

With the experienced Matthew Wade available in the squad, Steve Smith has ruled out the possibility of playing Peter Handscomb in his place. After the pay dispute turmoil came to an end, Australia’s first assignment will be in the Tiger’s den, Bangladesh, before the tour of India commences.

The Australian skipper spoke to Cricket Australia prior to their departure and he was confident about Wade’ sport in the team. He reckons the southpaw has good experience of playing in the subcontinent conditions and though he failed to get big scores, he did play some good knocks in India.

“Matty (Wade), in India, had some good innings without going on to get a big score. His plans were really good and the way he plays spin and adapts is really good, so it would be great if we could have him go on and get a big score,” he said.

“It would be really good for his confidence and his keeping would benefit from that as well. He’s been working really hard, he’s got (newly appointed Bupa Support Team member) Brad Haddin on board now as a fielding coach and someone that he can work with really closely, and he’s going to benefit from that for sure,” Smith added.

Dropping Wade could be a real proposition

Aussie legend Adam Gilchrist was in many ways the person who sparked this debate if Handscomb could take over the duties from Wade. He said that dropping the 29-year-old could be a real proposition considering the high-quality middle-order batsman and wicketkeeper Handscomb is. ”It’s just about balance and what you think is the right balance to get the Test match victory in the conditions you’re going to,” Gilly said.

After replacing Peter Neville in the Test squad around a year ago, Wade has failed to perform up to the expectations, especially with the bat. He has been spectacular behind the stumps but has registered just one half-century in the course of time. This has put his position under the scanner, but he currently has the backing of the team management.