Wade Accepts 'Constructive' Criticism And Aims Higher

Wade Accepts 'Constructive' Criticism And Aims Higher

Matthew Wade has taken Ian Healy's criticism onboard and has pledged to build on his first year as an international cricketer

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Australia wicket-keeper Matthew Wade has responded positively to criticism of him by Ian Healy, which was widely published in media channels.

Ahead of the third One-Day International against Sri Lanka in Brisbane on Friday (18th January), Wade says he has spoken with Healy and spent time working on his game with the former Queensland player, who represented Australia in 119 Tests and 168 ODIs.

During a radio interview, Healy criticised Wade, saying he had not had a good summer, was not getting the basics right and should try to mould his game more on Brad Haddin - the man he has replaced behind the stumps.

Wade responded by saying: "I took it as constructive. I flew up a couple of hours early yesterday and went to have a coffee with him. We just went through a few different bits and pieces - I think it would of been easy for me to get grumpy about it but I've taken it on board and tried working on a few things.

"We worked on a couple of different things that you can over look pretty quickly when you've been playing for 12 months straight and you're in and out of training.  It's nice to have a chat with him, he's one of the best keepers that have ever played so his feedback is always welcome."

bet365 go 4/9 on Australia to win the third ODI with Sri Lanka available at 7/4 and Wade is a 16/1 shot to be named as the man of the match.

Haddin was picked for the first two ODIs in Melbourne and Adelaide - before Wade was recalled for the next stage of the series with Haddin unable to keep for the entirety of the second game due to an injury.

Wade seems to be pleased with the way his international career has started, but he knows he has work still to do.

"I think in general it's been a good start, it's defnitely something to build on. I've been in the team for 12 months now and I've got to look to get better and improve. From this point onwards I need to go up a level, that little break was almost twelves months to sit down and reflect on what I've done and now look to push my career further and further."

He added that he was not surprised to be given a break for the start of the series under the rotation policy currently employed by Cricket Australia.

"it's been pretty clear every player isn't going to play all three forms cosistantly over twelve months, (being rested) definitely wasn't a suprise. To be honest it's probably been a benefit for me now to come back, I'm a lot fresher and feel ready to go.

"I think the boys did a fantastic job in Melbourne, unfortunately they didn't get it quite right in Adelaide, it was quite a difficult wicket.  I don't think it would of made too much of a difference if we were back.  This groups coming together now and were together for the next couple of games and we'll be looking to win both games."

Matthew Wade's international career to date

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