Matthew Wade says there is “no doubt at all” Josh Inglis should be Australia’s next T20I wicketkeeper, but believes he may need to wait at least until after this year’s World Cup to become a mainstay at the highest level.
Inglis made his T20I debut in the home series against Sri Lanka in February, but only kept wicket for the first time in the one-off tour match in Pakistan a month later.
Wade, 34, donned the gloves for Australia in February and is continuing to do so for the T20Is in Sri Lanka, but previously indicated he could retire from cricket following the T20 World Cup in November.
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Ahead of the final T20I of the Sri Lanka series on Saturday, Wade vehemently threw his support behind Inglis, who he said was his preferred successor ahead of Alex Carey, Ben McDermott and Josh Philippe.
“There’s no doubt at all,” Wade said.
“We’ve had a look at a few wicketkeeper-batter options over the last 12 months in T20 internationals and I think Josh (Inglis) was the one that’s certainly put his hand up.
“He’s been around the squad now for a period of time, so I have no doubt that he’ll be the next one that gets the opportunity.
“Fingers crossed that’s a little bit down the track after the World Cup.”
Australian white-ball skipper Aaron Finch previously said Inglis was “stiff” to miss out on selection in the first two T20Is against Sri Lanka, but Wade said it was only natural he would have to wait for more opportunities.
“He’s going to get plenty of chances to play international cricket,” Wade said.
“I know he’s ready to go right now and if the opportunity comes up, then he’ll play (but) I don’t really want anyone to go out of the team.
“It’d be great to see him play, but unfortunately at times you’ve got to wait for an opportunity to come up.”
The player of the match in the second T20I against Sri Lanka and a vital cog in Australia’s T20 World Cup machine last year, Wade said he wasn’t worried about Inglis stealing his spot prematurely.
“I’d like to think over the last 12 months that I’ve been an integral part of the T20 team,” Wade said.
“My performances probably speak for themselves.
“I feel like my keeping over the last two years has been as good as it’s ever been.
“I feel pretty comfortable in the role the moment. That can change quickly, obviously, but I’d like to think I’ve got a few credits in the bank at this stage.”