Worcestershire CCC 2022 overseas player Matthew Wade is happy to adopt a new role after leading Hobart Hurricanes to the verge of qualifying for the final stages of the Big Bash League.
Wade came back into the side at number three instead of opening and was delighted to be back amongst the runs as he scored 83 not out in Thursday’s win over Sydney Thunder.
It cemented the Hurricanes in fourth spot in a tournament where the top five go through from the group stages.
Hurricanes captain Wade admitted: “It looks like we’re going to be in the finals now. Couldn’t be happier. We’ll play a couple more games and see what happens.”
Wade, available to play all formats for Worcestershire this summer, gave up the wicket-keeping gloves so he could work closer with his bowlers in the field.
He was confident that a return to form would happen after scoring 10 runs in the previous four innings and a switch from opening to number three paid dividends.
Wade said: “It’s just the way cricket goes. I have played long enough to know the wheel turns eventually if you stay confident and back yourself.
“I haven’t scored then runs I would like to in the previous games but I had a bit of a change of role, and I just went out there and tried to play the way I know I can.
“Fingers crossed, that happens for the rest of the tournament but you’ve just got to hang in there and stay positive and stay confident. That’s the only way to do it.
Wade is happy to bat at number three. He said “It doesn’t really bother me too much. I’ve batted so much everywhere now and whether it’s three or opening, I go out there and do what I can do.
“I think for our team that’s the best order. I like Caleb Jewell up the top, me at three doesn’t make any difference with D’Arcy Short at four so we load it up a bit at the top and see what happens.”
Wade and the Hurricanes are six points clear of sixth-placed Melbourne Stars.
