The Ashes are upon us tomorrow (Wednesday) and they will bring back happy memories for Worcestershire’s 2022 overseas signing, Matthew Wade, of a memorable innings in the opening game of the 2019 series at Edgbaston.
Wade, available for all formats at New Road next summer, returned to the Australian side for the first time in nearly two years and scored a magnificent second innings century.
It was his first Test in England, having missed the 2013 and 2015 Series, and also the first time he had been selected to play for his country purely as a batsman.
A mountain of runs for Tasmania in the Sheffield Shield brought about his selection for the squad and he showed the class and determination
Worcestershire members and supporters can look forward to in just a few months time.
It did not immediately go to plan with Wade dismissed for a first innings duck and Australia 90 runs in arrears when they batted for a second time.
History was also not on Australia’s side with England having a formidable record against them at Birmingham.
But Wade was to help turn the tide after he came to the crease at 205-4 to partner former Worcestershire T20 player and first innings century-maker, Steve Smith.
He showed his positive intentions when driving the first delivery from Joe Denly for four as he and Smith wrestled the initiative away from England.
The pair added 126 before Smith, having completed another hundred, was dismissed but Wade continued to score freely.
There was great joy when he reverse swept Joe Root for four to complete his third Test century off 131 balls.
He went onto make 110 with 17 fours, adding a further 76 with captain Tim Paine, before he was finally caught at backward square leg off Ben Stokes.
Wade and Smith’s efforts enabled Australia to declare on 487-7 and then England were bowled out for 146 to give them a 251 run win.
Another hundred followed for Wade in the Oval Test and his contribution played a large part in Australia drawing the series 2-2 and retaining the Ashes.
