Wade set for remarkable return to Australian side in World Cup shock

MATTHEW Wade is in line to complete a remarkable redemption story should the destructive opener make his World Cup debut at No. 3 in tonight’s semi-final blockbuster against England.

The bold move to bring in Wade comes as it can be revealed coach Justin Langer first discussed axing Glenn Maxwell just hours after Saturday’s 10-run loss to South African, which cost Australia first place on the World Cup ladder.

Usman Khawaja’s hamstring injury opened the door for Peter Handscomb to make his World Cup debut and Wade is in line to replace Maxwell.

Wade has not played international cricket since 2017. But after constant snubs, the clean striker was summoned from Australia A duties on Sunday and has trained with the World Cup squad every day this week. Loading him into the top order would be fighting fire with fire, given England boasts cricket’s most lethal batting card.

Langer said Australia would lodge paperwork with the ICC technical committee for Wade to officially replace Khawaja in the 15-man squad before tonight’s clash at Edgbaston, paving the way for the 31-yearold’s stunning recall.

Barring a last-minute backflip, Maxwell — prone to short-ball dismissals — is set to miss out after averaging just 22.1 in the World Cup.

“Matthew Wade’s played a lot of international cricket before and he’s a real seasoned pro,” Langer said. “With his experience, if he plays, we’re confident he’ll do a really good job.”

Langer said that Wade was “no doubt in career-best form” and he boasted “real upside” after slashing 355 runs in four Australia A games at a strike rate of 182.05.