Ashes 2019 | Just a matter of time before Carey becomes the first-choice wicketkeeper, believes Matthew Wade

The 31-year-old from Tasmania has toiled away for a comeback to international cricket since 2017. His efforts, backed up by loads of runs, have finally been rewarded. Wade has also kept wickets for Australia in the past. However, he reckons he is not in the running for the job anymore. 

"I don't feel like I'm pushing for that [wicket-keeper] spot too much anymore. I think [Alex Carey] is going to be the next wicket-keeper for Australia. I think everyone knows that, it's just a matter of time for that to happen," Wade was quoted as saying by ANI.

Carey, who was part of the World Cup squad, did not make the cut for the Ashes. This means that Australia only have Tim Paine as a specialist wicket-keeper. Obviously, Wade is excited to have found a place in the side, but has obliged to wear the keeping gloves, if the need arises.

"It's just a luxury that I've played 20 Tests and a lot of one-dayers as a 'keeper that if something happens to Tim (Paine) on the morning of a Test, then I can stand in and 'keep. I've got no issues there. I've been away for a long time and I am excited to be back," he said.

Primarily though, Wade has been picked purely for his batting exploits in the domestic circuit and Australia A side. The southpaw has scores of 117, 155, 41, 42 in the List A matches in England, played in preparation ahead of the Ashes.

"I see myself as a batter on this tour and if there is an opportunity to bat at five or six, wherever it is, I am comfortable to step into it. Fingers crossed I get an opportunity," Wade added.

Australia will face England in the first Test match of the Ashes on August 1.