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Australian wicketkeeper Brad Haddin could be targeting one last home summer. The reality, though, is that he is very fortunate still to be in the Test line-up such has been his floundering efforts with the bat.
Over the past 16 months, Haddin has made just 230 runs at an average of 15 from 11 Tests.
The 37-year-old’s returns have been so dire that even Australian number 11 Nathan Lyon has a superior batting average during that period.
It must be said that his glovework has not waned, in fact it was excellent even on the up and down pitches of the Caribbean amid Australia’s 2-0 series win over the Windies.
But no Test line-up can afford to carry a ‘keeper who is batting like a rank tail ender. This is even more relevant given that, even as the Australia side has gone through a major resurgence, the batting of its top seven has remained a weakness.
Their tail often has been asked to rescue them from perilous situations and has had success in doing so.
Haddin has played his fair share of important rearguard actions during his commendable Test career. However, he no longer looks capable of playing the kind of responsible innings Australia require when they find themselves five-for-not-many.
Haddin himself seems to have given up on any idea of trying to play such digs and instead is trying to bludgeon his way back into form.
In the first innings of the second Test in Jamaica, Haddin arrived at the crease with Australia 5-264 and holding only a 44-run lead – hardly a dominant position. Yet he batted as though Australia were miles ahead in the game and charging towards a declaration.
Haddin threw the bat with abandon. He was dropped at backward point on eight after aiming a wild drive at a Kemar Roach delivery that deserved respect. Only a few balls later he again slashed at the ball, which flew just over the top of gully. He was not in control of either stroke.
Not perturbed by his two near-dismissals, Haddin just two balls later slogged a decent delivery over mid-off. A few minutes after that he very nearly chopped a Jerome Taylor delivery onto his stumps.
His luck ended soon after as he attempted yet another irresponsible heave and was clean bowled by Jerome Taylor. That ended a manic innings which in no way suited the circumstances.
At the other end, Steve Smith was building on his ton and needed Haddin to help construct a big partnership. Haddin had no interest in that.
The Australian selectors missed a trick by not offering Haddin a home swansong against India last summer.
They could used the tour of the Windies to blood fellow New South Welshmen Peter Nevill who, at 29 years old, is in the form of his life.
Over the past two Sheffield Shield seasons, Nevill has plundered 1236 runs at 56, including three centuries.
Significantly, Nevill is not a cavalier strokemaker in the mold of Haddin or Adam Gilchrist. Rather he is a grafting player who is happy to work long and hard for his runs. He is more BJ Watling than Jos Buttler.
Right now, this is the kind of ‘keeper-batsman which suits Australia. They have ample dynamic players in their top six and also in their tail, where the likes of Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc and Ryan Harris love to attack.
At seven, they would be best served by someone who will place a lofty price on their wicket. Nevill does just that.
He should not be forced to wait too long for his Test debut. Unless Haddin has a miraculous reversal of fortunes in the Ashes that series should be his last for Australia.
The fact he recently retired from ODIs effectively immediately, but made no announcement about his Test plans, suggests he may be hoping for a home finale next summer. Australia cannot afford him such a luxury.
Nevill should get his opportunity on Australia’s Test tour of Bangladesh in October. It would be a perfect low-key debut for a new ‘keeper before the challenges of facing the fast-rising Kiwis in six Tests home and away next summer.
Haddin has been a great servant of Australian cricket. The Ashes shapes as an appropriate time for him to be farewelled.