5 unanswered questions for Australia before the Pune test

#3 Handscomb or Wade?

Matthew Wade has scored just 50 runs since his recall

One of the many questions in the Australian squad is the wicket-keeper spot. Mathew Wade is going to be the first choice wicket-keeper as per Australian chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns, after announcing the Australian squad last month. But there are problems if Australia sticks with Wade over Peter Handscomb.

Firstly, his wicketkeeping skills were hugely criticised in Australia’s disastrous tour in 2013. Secondly, the 29-year-old is a left-hand batsman and since there are a lot of left-handers in Australia’s top six, going with Wade would be an added incentive for the No. 1 test bowler Ravichandran Ashwin. In Australia’s previous tour, Wade fell five times to the off-spinners in his six innings. Also, in the four Tests since his recall, Wade has managed only 50 runs at an average of 12.50.

The issues that Wade has at the moment could open the door for Handscomb. The 25-year-old had a stellar start to his Test career, scoring 399 runs in four Tests at an average of 99. In all his four outings, Handscomb played as a specialist batsman for his side but it is unlikely that he will be given the same preference in India.

In a poll on Sporting News recently, nearly 50 percent of the fans were adamant that Handscomb should don the gloves for Australia after the impressive start to his career. Also, if Handscomb is picked over Wade, it gives an option for Steve Smith to play with another specialist batsman.