WADE: ‘I HAVE NEVER BEEN MORE READY’

MATTHEW Wade says he has never been better prepared for a return to international cricket, and is ready for whatever situation if the phone rings.

The Tasmanian and Hurricanes captain was awarded the Australian domestic player of the year following his hot form with the bat in both the Sheffield Shield and Big Bash competitions.

However, the 31-year-old has been continually overlooked for a return to the Australian set-up in any format.

“In the end, if they want to pick me they are going to pick me and I’m still really hopeful,” Wade said.

“There is one tour before the World Cup [to the UAE to play Pakistan] and hopefully I can get an opportunity there but if not, hopefully I can get a spot in the World Cup squad which would be nice. I’ve played a lot of international cricket, I’ve almost played 100 ODIs so I feel like if they want to make a change just before the World Cup they know I can perform at that level and the whole atmosphere is not going to overawe me.”

While he is still unsure as to why he continues to miss out, Wade said through returning home to Hobart, hard work and the assistance of gun bat- ting coach Jeff Vaughan, he was back to the very peak of his powers.

“I think I’m mentally better prepared to play international cricket, technically I’m probably back to where I was six or seven years ago when I first started playing international cricket,” he said.

“I’m really still and was playing really similar to what I am now.

“I’ve had different changes to my technique, all players tinker with that, but I feel I’m back now to standing still and letting my ability take over a little bit.

“I’m in as good a space technically and mentally as I have been in a very, very long time.”

Wade, alongside fellow opener D’Arcy Short, will be a key to the Hurricanes’ chances in tomorrow night’s cut-throat semi-final against the Stars at Blundstone Arena.