When Matthew Wade Opened Up On Being Colour Blind

Debashis Sarangi

image-lpkygzobMatthew Wade is captaining Australia in IND T20Is [AP]

Swashbuckling Australian cricketer Matthew Wade's journey has been nothing short of a roller-coaster ride. An incredibly talented cricketer, Wade, got his opportunity once Brad Haddin was sidelined from Australia's setup. Despite getting serious competition from his competitors, the southpaw from Tasmania has still kept himself relevant in the Australian team through sheer effort and perseverance. In an ultimate high, Wade is captaining the Australian side in the ongoing T20I series against India. 

We all are aware of Wade's exploits on the cricket field, as he has scripted several memorable wins for Australia through his explosive batting. However, one thing that remains on the sidelines is his colour blindness, which has thoroughly challenged him throughout his international career. 

To those unversed, Matthew Wade suffers from colour blindness, a disease that has significantly affected his keeping at times. Ahead of Australia's much-awaited Pink ball Test against South Africa on home soil, Wade admitted to facing challenges while judging the pink ball after Kookaburra changed the colour of the seam from green to black. 

He also copped a few blows while batting in the nets but showed his fighting spirit in an interview, stating his desire to conquer the adversities despite all odds. 

As quoted by Cricket.com.au, Wade had mentioned, 

"It can't be an issue. I've got to work it out. You've just got to get used to it. I think it's trying to get it out of your mind. I can see the colour of the ball, I pick it up."

"It's just at times it takes a little bit longer to work out the depth of where it's coming. The first couple of balls in the nets, it takes just a little bit longer to pick the actual length of the ball up. I've got more used to it I suppose. The more you play, you get more used to it."

Talking about Wade, the southpaw missed the World Cup berth, as Australia picked Josh Inglis as their keeper-batter alongside Alex Carey. However, he is active in T20I cricket and could be Australia's go-to keeper-batter in the T20 World Cup next year.