Australia have adopted an interesting approach ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. The George Bailey-led selection committee has not picked a second specialist wicket-keeper in the side and has instead pinned hopes on the Australian assistant coach Matthew Wade.
Australia have been reluctant to pick up another backup wicket-keeper for Josh Inglis as they travel to India and Sri Lanka for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup. The selectors have kept full faith in the wicket-keeper despite the injury streak they are facing in recent times.
Australia have already had several blows to its campaigns in the form of its bowlers. Josh Hazlewood and Tim David are uncertain about their return dates, while skipper Pat Cummins has already been ruled out for the first half of the ICC T20 World Cup competition.
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George Bailey remains stubborn on the no-backup policy for wicket-keepers
The Australian men’s selection committee has opted for a no backup option policy for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026. They have not kept a wicket-keeper batsman as a backup for Josh Inglis. The Perth Scorchers wicket-keeper has not been in the finest of touch in the ongoing BBL season.
However, keep aside poor form; if Inglis is ruled out due to injury, Australia will be in a soup. Previously, they had claimed that Glenn Maxwell might be seen taking up the gloves under such dire circumstances.
George Bailey is determined not to announce the name of a second-choice wicket-keeper, as he would have to leave one of his spinners if he opts for another keeper. Hence, Bailey and co. have now taken a new approach to the issue, with Matthew Wade travelling to the sub-continent alongside the Australian contingent.
Australia will not have a second specialist wicketkeeper in its squad for the Twenty20 World Cup, but it will have Matthew Wade in the touring party.https://t.co/L7Cp8aJKrE pic.twitter.com/IqvRk2nmT6
— Daniel Cherny (@DanielCherny) January 20, 2026
Matthew Wade is in the mix-up as a replacement wicket-keeper for Australia
Former Australian wicket-keeper batter Matthew Wade was one of the seasoned players in the Australian lineup, especially in the later phases of his career in the shortest format of the game. He was also part of the ICC T20 World Cup-winning squad in 2021 and then played his last T20 World Cup in 2024.
Matthew Wade announced his retirement from international cricket and took up a coaching role with the Australian side in 2025. The master gloveman still continues to feature in the BBL for the Hobart Hurricanes.
The Australian management has suggested that Matthew Wade’s retirement could be reversed, and he can be brought on board if Josh Inglis is ruled out with no chance of a return to the tournament any further.
Wade would anyway be part of the Australian contingent, but as the assistant coach of the national side.
Australia have stood firm on their decision to bring just one wicketkeeper to the T20 World Cup, but it seems Matthew Wade has found a way to punch his ticket.
READ ▶️ https://t.co/7xY8cVI3ko pic.twitter.com/zEu3NKKF6L
— CODE Cricket (@codecricketau) January 20, 2026
Shane Warne had once served as a player-coach in the IPL
Previously, this unique approach of coach and player at the same time has been seen less in the gentleman’s game, but Australians have always challenged the usual norms of the sport.
Former Australian great Shane Warne, who retired from international cricket and came to India to feature in the first season of the IPL, took up the role of head coach, alongside leading the team as the skipper of the side.
Warne was tremendously successful in the role and had helped Rajasthan Royals to the maiden title in the IPL. He had also trained many youngsters who later went on to be stars of World cricket, like Shane Watson and Ravindra Jadeja.
