Cricket Australia hands two-match ban to champion cricketer ahead of ODI World Cup

Australian wicketkeeper Matthew Wade has received a ban following a breach of Cricket Australia's code of conduct during Monday's Marsh Cup match between Tasmania and Victoria. Wade, a star from the 2021 T20 World Cup-winning team, vented his frustration by forcefully hitting the pitch with his bat when facing a dot ball during his 25-run knock in the three-wicket loss at Junction Oval in Melbourne. 

3 things you need to know

• Wade was part of the Australian squad that won their maiden T20 World Cup in 2021
• Wade has received a two-match suspension from Cricket Australia for a minor breach
• He is expected to return to the Australian squad for a T20I series against Australia

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Here's why Matthew Wade has been suspended by Cricket Australia

Wade was charged and found guilty, subsequently accepting the charge. His action in the match was deemed a violation of Article 2.5 of the Cricket Australia code, which pertains to the abuse of cricket equipment, clothing, ground equipment, or fixtures and fittings during a match. Notably, this marks the third level one breach that Wade has incurred within an 18-month period. This infraction triggered an automatic two-game ban.

As a result of this suspension, Wade will be unavailable for Tasmania's next two Marsh Cup matches, which are scheduled for Wednesday, September 27 against New South Wales in Melbourne and against South Australia in Adelaide on October 8. However, he will be eligible to participate in Tasmania's opening Sheffield Shield game against South Australia in Adelaide, commencing on October 3.

Despite this setback, Wade remains a contender for inclusion in Australia's T20 International squad for a five-match series against India later this year. The series is slated to take place after the conclusion of the upcoming ODI World Cup. Wade is not part of Australia's World Cup squad. Australia are currently playing a three-match ODI series against India as part of their preparations for the marquee ICC event. Australia will kickstart their World Cup campaign against India in Chennai on October 8.  

Australia ODI World Cup 2023 squad

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Australia World Cup squad: Pat Cummins (c), Steve Smith, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa, Mitchell Starc.

Image: BCCI