When it comes to winning Sheffield Shield silverware Tasmanian keeper-batsman Matthew Wade is no stranger.
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The 30-year-old collected four crowns in his tenure with Victoria, and one season back with his home state he has a chance to win a fifth when Tasmania takes on Queensland at Allan Border Field in this year’s decider, starting Friday.
Wade’s most famous Shield final performance was in 2009-10 against the Bulls where he was named man of the match for his saving-grace first-innings 96.
He was also part of the Bushrangers’ 2008-09, 2014-15 and 2015-16 triumphs.
Tasmania flew out for the Sunshine State on Wednesday with Wade optimistic about the team’s fortunes.
“I’ve been lucky enough to play in a few Shield finals. It’s exciting to come back, and [it’s] probably not something I expected after the first round of Shield cricket that we would be playing in the final,” he said.
Wade said it took some time for him to feel comfortable in his home state’s set up.
However, he has amassed 546 runs in 10 matches at an average 39.00 – including two centuries – making him a vital cog in Tasmania’s batting line-up alongside Jake Doran, skipper George Bailey, Jordan Silk, Alex Doolan and Beau Webster.
“It took a little bit longer than what I’d hoped personally just to fit in and to do well myself,” Wade said.
“I’d been away for 10 or 12 years and played with another state so just to get back in and understand the other players was something that took a little bit of time.
“I’m sure we will have a chat over the next couple of days about how to go about it… we’ve got experience going over there.
“It’s always hard to win from second but as Silky (Silk) touched on, the Duke ball will play a big role to make it a result game.”
Hobart-born Wade said he has spent a fair bit of time at Allan Border Field with the national academy and training for international tours, but has not played too many games there.
“It’s a strange wicket sometimes it can be really green if there’s a bit of weather about and they can’t get the preparation in to it, it can do quite a bit,” he said.