WADE FEELS THE HEAT

MATTHEW Wade may be fighting for his Test future in the dust bowls of Bangladesh.

Former Test great Allan Border believes Wade is under the pump, with Peter Handscomb in line to take over as gloveman.

Australia appears likely to play Steve O’Keefe as one of three spinners in Monday’s must-win second Test in Chittagong, a move that could force at least one other change to the XI that was humbled in Dhaka.

It would be a huge call to defer to a part-time keeper in treacherous subcontinental conditions, but even if Wade survives this week his place in the Ashes picture is under searing pressure if he can’t improve on a batting average of just 21 since being recalled nine Tests ago.

Handscomb indicated during Australia’s pre-tour camp in Darwin that he was ready to keep if it were required for team balance, although captain Steve Smith soon after played down the chances of that happening.

However, after Wade conceded 30 byes, Border believes Australia could be on the verge of a bombshell in the keeping ranks.

“I think Matty Wade’s position in the side is another question mark,” Border told Fox Sports News. “He really struggled behind the stumps, which is his key role, and again with the bat. I thought his keeping was improving, but once you go to the subcontinent you really test your skills out there.”