Australia batsman David Warner has come out in defence of wicketkeeper Matthew Wade, who came under fire from former Aussie keeper Ian Healy for making too many mistakes behind the stumps.

Healy had told a local radio station that Wade was "not getting to the stumps, he's not taking returns well," and added: "There were four or five chances missed from (Lyon's) bowling (this summer) and he's getting criticised for not taking wickets. So these are all the little internal conflicts of an under-achieving wicketkeeper."

But Warner was incensed by Healy's words, saying the legend, and now commentator, should have discussed his concerns with Wade in person, rather than criticising him in the media.

Warner, who played the patriot card, told News Limited on Sunday: "I just think in general, if you're going to have a go at someone then it shouldn't be someone from Australia.

"You have to support the guys and get behind them. Maybe 'Heals' can go to 'Wadey' with a few tips rather than coming out in the papers (with that). Sometimes it can be a bit sad. If you have a problem with someone, you usually go to the person.

"You are always going to get criticised for what you do, but I think Matty's glovework has been good. It is hard because if he misses one ball, he is the only guy who can be blamed for that and that's the hardest thing about wicketkeeping.

"Matty's not going to go 10 games in a row where he is not going to miss a ball. Keeping is keeping and I think he's doing a fantastic job. It is good to see him scoring runs as there was a little bit of pressure on him.

"But he came out and delivered and showed exactly why he deserves his place in the team. He's finding his form - we're all trying to cement our spot in the team and he's doing well. Maybe he's still nervous, but that's all of us and I'm the same."

Aside from Wade, Australia can also call on Brad Haddin, Tim Paine or Phil Hughes to keep wicket.