Happy Birthday Matthew Wade: Here are 5 unknown facts about Australia's attacking opener

First Published Dec 26, 2020, 5:57 AM IST

Matthew Wade hails from Tasmania and has represented his state, as well as Victoria. He made his debut for Australia in 2011 and has since represented the side, across formats. In the Indian Premier League, he represented Delhi Daredevils, in 2011.

<p>Australia's attacking opener Matthew Wade is one of the veterans for the side, having been playing for the side since 2011. The wicketkeeper-batsman has been deemed one of the players, who has been improving as he gets older.</p>

Australia's attacking opener Matthew Wade is one of the veterans for the side, having been playing for the side since 2011. The wicketkeeper-batsman has been deemed one of the players, who has been improving as he gets older.

<p>Although he might not be a regular for the side in the limited-overs, he has undoubtedly consolidated his spot in the Tests. As he turns 32, we take a look at some of his unknown facts.</p>

Although he might not be a regular for the side in the limited-overs, he has undoubtedly consolidated his spot in the Tests. As he turns 32, we take a look at some of his unknown facts.

<p><strong>He played Australian football:</strong> Believe it or not, Wade did not start his sporting career as a cricketer. Until the age of 16, he used to play Australian rules football and even represented his state, Tasmania, while he was also the vice-captain of Tassie Mariners. His family members have long been associated with the sport.</p>

He played Australian football: Believe it or not, Wade did not start his sporting career as a cricketer. Until the age of 16, he used to play Australian rules football and even represented his state, Tasmania, while he was also the vice-captain of Tassie Mariners. His family members have long been associated with the sport.

<p><strong>Battled cancer:</strong> Just like a notable few cricketers, Wade too battled cancer. At the age of 16, after he had hurt his testicles while playing football, he was diagnosed with testicular cancer, as he underwent a couple of chemotherapies to get rid of it.</p>

Battled cancer: Just like a notable few cricketers, Wade too battled cancer. At the age of 16, after he had hurt his testicles while playing football, he was diagnosed with testicular cancer, as he underwent a couple of chemotherapies to get rid of it.

<p><strong>Favourite sport:</strong> Although Wade might have specialised as a cricket player, it is certainly not his favourite sport. Interestingly, Wade is an avid fan of football/soccer, as he follows Manchester United, while Netherlands' Wesley Sneijder is his favourite footballer.</p>

Favourite sport: Although Wade might have specialised as a cricket player, it is certainly not his favourite sport. Interestingly, Wade is an avid fan of football/soccer, as he follows Manchester United, while Netherlands' Wesley Sneijder is his favourite footballer.

<p><strong>Best childhood memory:</strong> Every cricketer has a memory from his childhood. As for Wade, he had a New Kids On the Block concert in the living room. He used to play all the members and was well aware of the choreography as well.</p>

Best childhood memory: Every cricketer has a memory from his childhood. As for Wade, he had a New Kids On the Block concert in the living room. He used to play all the members and was well aware of the choreography as well.

<p><strong>Celebrity crush: </strong>Also, every cricketer has a celebrity crush growing up. On the same note, Wade has forever had a crush on Hollywood actress, Cameron Diaz. He also strives to be famous like former German footballer, Jurgen Klinsmann, and Hollywood actor, Johnny Depp.</p>

Celebrity crush: Also, every cricketer has a celebrity crush growing up. On the same note, Wade has forever had a crush on Hollywood actress, Cameron Diaz. He also strives to be famous like former German footballer, Jurgen Klinsmann, and Hollywood actor, Johnny Depp.

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