Brad Haddin

Profile

A highly talented wicket-keeper, playing in the Adam Gilchrist era meant that Brad Haddin was forever playing second fiddle to the Aussie great. But with the legend’s retirement, Haddin has now emerged from his shadows and carved a niche for himself in Australia’s youthful side.

Haddin, who began his domestic career with New South Wales, was rewarded for his consistent performances when he earned his ODI call-up in 2001 and debuted against Zimbabwe. But in the following years, he would be called on only when Gilchrist required rest or be injured, fully aware of the fact he would have to make way on the left hander’s return. But with his adept wicket-keeping and batting, Haddin continued to remain in the selectors’ frays who at times were forced to play him as a specialist batsman. With consistent knocks, he was continually staking his claim and when Gilchrist finally bowed out in 2008, Haddin was named his successor. Seven long years after his ODI debut, the glove man made his Test debut against West Indies and earned a piece of history as Australia’s 400th debutant, who continued to play throughout the series despite a broken finger.

“BJ” as he is nicknamed, soon became integral to the Australian team for his ability to float across the batting order with his constant chatter behind the stumps also acting as a source of inspiration. His debut Test century of 169 against New Zealand was one which even Gilchrist would have been proud of and in early 2010, he also scored his maiden ODI century against the same opposition. An elbow injury ruled him out of the 2010 Test series against India and despite Paine’s exemplary performances, Haddin was retained for the Ashes. In 2011, however, he announced his retirement from Twenty20 internationals, in order to prolong his Test and ODI career.

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Career

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