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How out of form is Brad Haddin?
Wicketkeeping – the skill he once copped flak for – is now Haddin’s strength after the veteran gloveman again fell cheaply in the second Test against India at the Gabba.
But Australian skipper Steve Smith believes Haddin’s place is not under threat.
Haddin, 37, reduced Australia to a wobbly 6-247 in reply to India’s 408 when he fell for six on Friday, extending his horror 2014 run.
Haddin is usually the old head Australia can rely on when the going gets tough – a role he revelled in against England only a summer ago.
But tough nut Haddin has cracked this year, notching just 85 runs at 9.4 in 11 Test innings since February.
However, Smith said on Friday: “I think his spot is completely safe.
“He’s a quality performer. I think runs are just around the corner.”
But former Test leggie Stuart MacGill said Haddin’s rough trot must be a concern.
“Australia hasn’t had the strongest batting line-up for quite some time,” he told the espncricinfo website.
“Brad Haddin and Mitchell Johnson have saved Australia on a number of occasions the last couple of years.
“So to see him start struggling with the bat is concerning.”
Legendary leg spinner Shane Warne almost willed Haddin to turn his form around from the Nine Network commentary box when the veteran strode out to bat at a tense time on day three.
“Tough situations bring the best out of him,” Warne said.
And if Haddin was going to get his groove back with the bat, it would be at the Gabba.
He averaged 60.85 in Tests in Brisbane when he took guard against India.
However, Haddin fell to a brute of a ball from Varun Aaron and was caught at short leg with Australia still trailing India’s first innings by 161.
In the end, a big-hitting Mitchell Johnson (88), captain Steve Smith (133) and a wagging tail saved the day as Australia surged to 505 and a first-innings lead of 97.
At least Haddin’s wicketkeeping – ironically the role he is usually criticised for – can’t be faulted.
He took six catches in India’s first innings, equalling the most dismissals in a Test innings by an Australian wicketkeeper.
He joined an elite group that also included Wally Grout, Rod Marsh and Ian Healy.
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