NSW wicketkeeper-batsman Brad Haddin’s future in the Australian Test team looks bleak after he made his second duck in the Sheffield Shield clash with Western Australia on Sunday.
The Warriors humiliated NSW by an innings and 323 runs at the WACA Ground to take top spot on the Sheffield Shield ladder, with Liam Davis named man of the match for his unbeaten 303.
Haddin was one of seven wickets for former Test spinner Michael Beer, who claimed career-best figures of 7-46 as WA wrapped up the comprehensive win on day three.
Haddin’s weak prod at a Beer delivery resulted in a simple caught and bowled to the left-arm spinner, at a time when NSW desperately needed a cool head.
His spot in the Australian touring team to the Caribbean appears in jeopardy with Matthew Wade looking more than comfortable in the Australian one-day side.
Team-mate Shane Watson did enough to suggest he will be back as a batsman in the West Indies.
Watson was used sparingly as a bowler and looked far from 100 per cent fit when he was thrown the ball.
After making just 91 in their first innings, the visitors fared little better in the second – all out for 146.
At one stage, NSW were 1-54 in their second dig, but lost five wickets for 19 runs to lose any realistic chance of taking the game into a fourth day.
Usman Khawaja (17), Watson (31), Haddin (0), Ben Rohrer (0) and captain Stephen O’Keefe (1) all fell quickly before tea.
Beer took four scalps in the final session to claim a deserved seven-wicket haul.
Earlier on Sunday, WA declared their first innings at 3-560, 469 runs ahead of the visitors, shortly before lunch.
Davis nearly failed to reach his triple-ton had Timm Van Der Gugten not dropped a sitter on the boundary which rolled over the rope to let the opener raise his bat.
After losing partner Adam Voges (178) early in the session – following a 379-run, 456-minute partnership – Davis took to the NSW attack, belting three sixes on his way to the milestone.
His triple century came off 524 balls with 41 fours and six sixes.
Justin
Guest
Marsh didnt do anything either with little pressure on. NSW were cleaned up for next to nothing and so did Marsh.
DanMan
Guest
After they dropped punter I can't see Haddin sticking around much longer. Glad to see some belated changes to the old guard from the NSP.
Andyc
Roar Rookie
Davis scored 66 more in one innings than NSW did in two innings! Looks like Haddin has played his last test, Wade left Tassie to avoid playing second fiddle to Tim Paine, Paine gets injured in a nothing 20/20 match and gets overtaken by Wade. Who'd want to be a wicketkeeper.
Lolly
Guest
What an absolute spanking. That's WA's highpoint of the season, I'm worried that it's all downhill from here. Brad Haddin played poor shots (no surprises there). He shouldn't be brought back till he has runs under his belt.
LT
Guest
Me too RK, but I think it would be better for him not to go anyway. Perhaps confidence is shot and bringing him back in might be even more detrimental. I just hope this isn't last window of opportunity. Also hope CA(or someone useful) is investing some sort of time and support because there's so much talent there!!
jameswm
Guest
Yeah 2 games, 4 innings, no scores of note. Still getting 20-odd. Needs to do a lot more. They'll go with one of Marsh, Khawaja, Forrest, Cooper, even Davis - whoever's in form - for the 7th batting slot (Warner, Cowan, Ponting, Clarke, Hussey and Watson certainties).
Nathan of Perth
Guest
Good old WACA pitch. Reward the good, punish the bad.
Red Kev
Guest
I hope the selectors don't rush Watson back into the team. Dan Christian is playing fine in the all-rounder role. Watson would be better served with more bowling and match fitness in the Ryobi Cup against WA on Feb 22 and the Shield match against QLD on Mar 1-4. I have to say I'm disappointed in my man Usman though, blown his chance to tour the Caribbean this year.