Michael Clarke believes Matthew Wade could retain his Test spot even if Brad Haddin returns as Australia’s wicketkeeper – by playing as a specialist batsman.

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.

The 24-year-old scored a crucial 106 – his maiden Test hundred – in Australia’s first innings, deepening the selection problem that will be presented if Haddin is available for selection for next summer’s home series against South Africa.

And Clarke feels there’s no reason the pair couldn’t line-up in the same team if Wade continues to show form with the bat.

“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,” Clarke said.

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

“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?

“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.

“There’s a lot of cricket to be played before any of the selectors have to worry about what the next 11 or the next squad of 15 is for our next Test tour or next Test series but Wadey, hopefully, will continue to perform in the shorter form until the next Test match comes around.”