Haddin Not Returning

Brad Haddin steps away
for family reasons

In a startling development, Brad Haddin has made a decision which with probably end his international career, announcing with Cricket Australia's full support, that he will not return to the West Indies. No specific reason has been offered by either Haddin or Cricket Australia beyond what has already been stated. He will be staying in Australia for "family reasons". Its a commendable choice in these days of the super professional sportsman and even if the media never knows the specifics, Haddin is to be commended in placing his family first. At 35, he is unlikely to regain a spot in any form of the game at a national level.

Baring Peter Nevil leaving banana skins outside his hotel door, Matthew Wade will be certain to make his Test debut against the West Indies at Kensington Oval, Barbados on the 7th April.

Haddin has been a solid member of the Australian Test team since making his Test debut nearly four years ago, also in the West Indies. He has been another in that tradition of wicketkeeper batsmen who can peel of hundreds when they are most needed at No 7 and do a tidy job behind the stumps. Like all who follow Adam Gilchrist, they will always look pale by comparison but Haddin's 2257 runs at 35 and his average of two dismissals per innings, give him a better batting and wicket keeping record than his current selector Rod Marsh. In fact, his dismissals per innings record among Aussie keepers who have played more than twenty Tests, is bettered only by Gilchrist. If that be a guide, we are losing the second best keeper in our history but its unlikely anyone will see it that way - almost certainly unfairly. His slide in form and outspoken comments haven't aided him in relieving the pressure he put on his place in the team.

Like most, there must be a better way to go. If it needs a buffing and shining before its put into folklore, his legacy should reflect that he kept family at the top of his priorities and acted on that. Take note buffoons.