Former Australia captain George Bailey has suggested the national selectors on Wednesday (November 21) that Matthew Wade should be in the mix when they select their playing XI for the series opener of the four-match Test series against India, starting at Adelaide on December 6.

At the moment, Wade is in the sublime form with the willow in the ongoing Sheffield Shield 2018-19 for Tasmania, and Bailey believes that he should be given the node for Tests against the No.1 Test side as he is also a good fielder, which is an added benefit of him having in the squad.

So far in the Australian First-class tournament, the wicket-keeper batsman has amassed 412 runs at an amazing average of 82.4 and is the third highest Sheffield Shield run-scorer at the moment.

Given his run of stunning form with the bat, Bailey believes that Australia should go ahead with six batters and Wade must be in mix for the first Test against Virat Kohli and his team.

As per reports in Sydney Morning Herald, Bailey said, “I can’t speak highly enough of the way he’s going about his cricket. If you’re looking at those numbers he’d very much have to be in the mix for a Test. He’s a good fielder, just pick your six best batters, simple. He’s in complete control of his game.”

Meanwhile, former International further went on to claim that the way Wade has been scoring valuable runs with the tail-enders and adapted the conditions across the country is praiseworthy and it will be added benefit for the hosts against high-flying India in the Test series.

Bailey signed off by saying, “That’s been the most pleasing thing this year. I don’t think we’ve given him great situations on a number of occasions. His ability to go through the gears, to start his innings, accelerate when he needs to.”

(With Sydney Morning Herald Inputs)