Matthew Wade has received a reprimand for showing dissent during Australia’s T20 World Cup victory over England but avoided suspension despite his recent disciplinary issues.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced that Wade was handed a Level 1 code of conduct breach for expressing displeasure when umpire Nitin Menon did not call a dead ball after Wade pulled away from an Adil Rashid delivery. Wade was distracted by the ground’s music, which should stop when the bowler is running in. He argued his case with the umpires and England’s captain, Jos Buttler.
Wade blocked the ball from Rashid in the 18th over of Australia’s innings. Normally, he would not have defended so late in the game, suggesting he expected the ball to be called dead. Teammate Travis Head supported Wade, stating, “He didn’t really intend to face up; he just asked the question.”
Wade admitted the offense, receiving one demerit point. This was his first offense in the last two years at the international level. However, Wade has a history of disciplinary issues in domestic cricket. In September, he was banned for two Marsh One-Day Cup matches for slamming his bat into the pitch, his third Level 1 transgression in 18 months. This falls under Cricket Australia’s code of conduct, separate from the ICC’s, leaving Wade’s international record clean before the incident against England.
Losing Wade for a World Cup game would have been a blow for Australia, as he is valued for his competitive spirit and tactical support to skipper Mitch Marsh. Teammate Adam Zampa praised Wade’s energy and competitiveness, saying, “Having him behind the stumps makes a huge difference.”
Buttler implied after the match that a dead ball call might have been appropriate but was focused on other tactical decisions. He said, “The umpire seemed to say because he played it, it’s a dot ball.”
Australia’s T20 World Cup Squad:
- Mitch Marsh (c)
- Ashton Agar
- Pat Cummins
- Tim David
- Nathan Ellis
- Cameron Green
- Josh Hazlewood
- Travis Head
- Josh Inglis
- Glenn Maxwell
- Mitchell Starc
- Marcus Stoinis
- Matthew Wade
- David Warner
- Adam Zampa
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