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Enough time for Test prep after T20s: Wade

3 minute read

Australia's preparation for their first Test is notably different compared to previous summers but Matthew Wade says there is enough time to get ready.

MATTHEW WADE
MATTHEW WADE Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

Matthew Wade insists he and Australia's other multi-format stars will have sufficient time and practice to click back into Test mode after the Twenty20 series.

Wade was part of the Sheffield Shield Hub then linked up with the limited-overs squad - earlier than expected because of the coronavirus cluster in Adelaide - for the white-ball leg of India's tour.

The Tasmanian, who scored 58 in his first game as Australia's stand-in skipper, is unsure whether he will head to Adelaide after Tuesday's T20 series finale or stay in Sydney for the pink-ball tour game that begins on Friday.

Coach Justin Langer and selectors haven't made a final call on which members of the 17-man Test squad will play the three-day match against India.

But Wade suggested he and others won't need a first-class game to ensure they are ready for the four-Test series opener that begins at Adelaide Oval on December 17.

"I'm not sure if I'll play that (pink-ball tour) game," Wade told reporters.

"The preparation will be hard work with the pink ball. We'll train under lights a few times, face our guys under lights.

"Once you get through that, you know you're going alright.

"That will be the most important thing for me. To throw myself into those net scenarios and face our big boys steaming in, so you feel ready to go for the first Test."

Australia's 17-man Test squad is currently a disparate group.

David Warner is recovering from his groin strain, Pat Cummins is being rested from the T20 series, Josh Hazlewood has a sore back, and Mitchell Starc is on compassionate leave.

Spinners Nathan Lyon and Mitchell Swepson were both belatedly called into the T20 squad, joining Wade, Sean Abbott, Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith.

Cameron Green scored a ton after being released from the T20 squad to play a tour game at Sydney's Drummoyne Oval, where Tim Paine, Joe Burns, Will Pucovski, Travis Head, James Pattinson and Michael Neser are also in the Australia A XI.

"We've got quite a big break between the last T20 and the first Test, so we've got plenty of opportunities to gel together," Wade said.

"We didn't get together (as a squad) until the morning of the first ODI and won that series.

"I don't see any issue with guys being in different formats then coming together. We've got plenty of time."

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