Clarke says Wade could play as specialist batsman in Oz team alongside keeper Haddin

Dominica (West Indies), Apr 28(ANI): Australia captain Michael Clarke has said Mathew Wade possesses the potential to play as a specialist batsman along with veteran Brad Haddin as the wicketkeeper in the Test team.

Wade was named man-of-the-match after Australia's 75-run win in the third Test against the West Indies in Dominica on Friday, which helped them retain the Frank Worrell Trophy 2-0.

He scored a crucial 106 - his maiden Test hundred in Australia's first innings, which has increased the selection problem that will be come up if Haddin is available for selection for next summer's home series against South Africa.

Clarke feels there's no reason why both Wade and Haddin could not play together, as he is impressed by Wade's batting exploits.

"I've made it very clear that I think Wadey's done everything in his, before this game, everything in his power to put as much pressure on the selectors as possible," the Fox Sports quoted Clarke, as saying.

"What I also said was that if Brad was available for this tour he would have played the first Test match," he added.

"I think it's great there's competition. How lucky are we in an Australian cricket team to have either Brad Haddin or Matthew Wade available for selection in the Test team?," he said.

Clarke believes if Wade continues batting in that fashion then he can also put pressure on not only Haddin but also other batsmen.

"Wadey will certainly, if he plays like that, continue to put pressure on, not only the wicketkeeper's spot but a batsman's position. He's a wonderful wicketkeeper but I think that his batting's got a lot of potential," Clarke said. (ANI)