Wade cementing ODI spot with key runs

Despite a key drop late in Friday's loss to England, Australian keeper Matthew Wade enjoyed a successful day which included a blistering half century.

Matthew Wade has further cemented his place as Australia's limited overs wicketkeeper of the future with a stunning cameo with the bat.

Wade nearly found himself at the centre of the latest flare-up in the hostile one-day series, when a caught-behind chance off Ben Stokes was sent up to the third umpire - only for replays to show the ball bounced before Wade got his gloves around it.

In defence of the keeper, he was the only Australian not to go up in celebration after the catch - which would've given debutant allrounder Marcus Stoinis his first international wicket.

But that mattered little to a boisterous Leeds crowd, who roared their disapproval when the not out call was confirmed and continued the loud booing of Wade, captain Steve Smith and the rest of the Australian team which started during the controversial game two clash at Lord's.

What can't be argued is Wade's contribution to the match, after he scorched a crucial half century from just 26 balls to boost help set England a target of 300 - which ultimately proved just shy of a match-winning knock.

The 27-year-old reached into his bag of tricks and came up with some unbelievable scoop shots - including one off fast bowler Mark Wood which went for six in the final over.

In all, he hit three sixes and three fours in a brutal innings, while adding an unbeaten 84 runs with John Hastings in just 8.2 overs.

If there's been a criticism of Wade's international qualities, it revolves around his glovework.

But the man who has been given the first opportunity as Australia's ODI keeper in the post-Brad Haddin era enjoyed a highlight everyone would be proud of to dismiss the series-leading scorer James Taylor on Friday.

Taylor was attempting to guide a Mitch Marsh delivery off his hips and down to fine leg, when Wade sprung into action.

Diving to his left, and at full stretch, Wade took a superb one-handed snare to get rid of the in-form England batsman.

The role of a keeper is full-time, however, and Wade erred late in the match when he grassed a simpler chance offered up by Moeen Ali, who had flashed at a Pat Cummins thunderbolt.

Cummins refused to lay much blame for the loss at Wade's feet, pointing out that England needed only 31 runs to win at that point.

"It might have been a bit too late anyway," he said.

"He batted brilliantly. He and Johnny Hastings probably kept us in the game really ... we could have been out for low 200s.

"Wadey had a really, really good day (and) took some really good catches."


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Source: AAP


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