Australian wicketkeeper-batter Matthew Wade faced a reprimand for violating Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during the 2024 T20 World Cup match against England in Barbados on June 8. The incident occurred during the 18th over of Australia’s batting innings.
Wade attempted to pull out of a delivery from Adil Rashid but ended up playing the ball with his bat. Expecting the umpire to call a dead ball, Wade was frustrated when the decision did not go in his favor. His subsequent argument with the umpire over the call led to a penalty for showing dissent.
An ICC statement read:
“Wade was found in breach of Article 2.8 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to showing dissent at an Umpire’s decision during an International Match. In addition, one demerit point has been added to Wade’s disciplinary record. It was his first offence in a 24-month period.”
The charges were brought by on-field umpires Nitin Menon and Joel Wilson, along with third umpire Asif Yaqoob and fourth umpire Jayaraman Madangopal. Wade admitted to the offense and accepted the penalty proposed by Andy Pycroft from the ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees.
“It Doesn’t Take Much to Fire Wadey Up” – Adam Zampa Defends Teammate
Australian spinner Adam Zampa defended Wade’s reaction during the incident with England. Wade contributed a crucial 17* off 10 deliveries, helping Australia post a formidable total of 201/7 in 20 overs.
“Wadey is a fiery guy. He’s super competitive and something ticked him over a little bit today, and that’s what we love about Wadey,” said Zampa. “He backed away and played that shot and I think he felt like it was the same as letting it hit him on the leg on a dead ball. But it doesn’t take much to fire Wadey up. That’s the beautiful thing about having him behind the stumps. He’s so competitive.”
Zampa also shone with the ball, recording figures of 2/28 in 4 overs as Australia triumphed over their arch-rivals by 36 runs. This victory marked Australia’s second consecutive win in the 2024 T20 World Cup, following their opening success against Oman.
Wade and his teammates are set to face Namibia next in Antigua on Tuesday, June 11, aiming to continue their winning streak.
