Brad Haddin not surprised by axe from Australian Test squad; to decide on future soon
Australian wicket-keeper batsman Brad Haddin said that he was not surprised by his axe from the Australian Test side during the recent Ashes series, Cricket Australia’s official website reports. The 37-year-old also added that he be deciding on his international cricket future in the coming weeks.
Haddin’s lone appearance in the 2015 Ashes series came in the 1st Test match at Cardiff in which the visitors suffered a 169 run defeat. He made himself unavailable for the second Test citing family reasons and was since overlooked for the rest of the series with the selectors persisting with Peter Nevill even after Haddin was available for selection.
Nevill had a fantastic first outing at Lord’s picking up 7 catches, the most for an Ashes debutant while he also impressed with the bat scoring a solid 45. Haddin, however, said that he was not expecting a recall even if Nevill had failed to shine.
"I made the decision for my family that I was unavailable for the Lord's Test. We're playing a professional sport and I understand the consequences that come with that,” he said.
Haddin, who averages a paltry 15.24 in his last 12 Tests with only one half-century, believes that he has only himself to blame as his poor form had left him vulnerable to being axed.
"I put myself in that position to not come back, my performances with the bat probably hadn't been where they should be," Haddin said.
Haddin, who retired from ODI cricket at the end of Australia’s victorious 2015 World Cup run, added that he will be taking a final call on his international future in the coming weeks.
Haddin not surprised by Michael Clarke retirement
Haddin said that he was not surprised by the decision of former skipper Michael Clarke to retire from international cricket after Australia lost the Ashes to England 3-2.
"I wasn't that shocked to see him go after the Ashes, he's done everything in his career and there was nothing left to achieve, so he deserves to hold his head high and enjoy retirement,” he said. "Michael's had a fantastic run, his record speaks for itself.”
"Michael's been a great player for Australia for a long time and I think he's stated in the past that you play for these big tournaments, like an Ashes campaign," he said. “I think once they're not there, he's given the opportunity to (new captain) Steve Smith to build his team.”
Haddin is confident that Smith’s recent form, which has seen the 26-year-old top the ICC Test rankings for batsmen, will give him the confidence to lead Australia.
"I think the most important thing with Steve taking over is that he's at the top of his game with the bat. He doesn't have to second-guess himself, his form with the bat over the past 12 months has been nothing short of outstanding.”
Haddin is also certain that Smith can lead Australia back to their glory days.
"He will grow into his leadership and he's got a chance to mould the Test and one-day team the way he likes leading into some big tournaments."