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Steve Waugh doesn’t see the point of stressing over whether Matthew Wade or Brad Haddin is Australia’s best wicketkeeping option for the first Test of the summer against South Africa.
In his own inimitable ice-cool style, Waugh has shrugged off the quandary facing selectors and offered a simple solution: pick them both.
“If Wade’s the `keeper, I don’t see why Haddin can’t play purely as a batsman,” said Waugh in Sydney on Thursday.
“I think he’s one of the top six batsmen in Australia anyway.”
Haddin faces a difficult task of earning a recall and adding to his 43-Test career after returning to Australia during the tour of the Caribbean in April to be with his ill daughter.
In his absence, Victorian gloveman Wade was impressive behind the stumps on the low and slow West Indian pitches and struck 106 in the third Test in Dominica.
With a brutal campaign of 20 Tests to be played over 14 months, Australian selectors might view the three-match series against the No.1-ranked Proteas as the best time to let the 24-year-old Wade evolve into the crucial wicketkeeping role.
But former Test skipper Waugh believes that even though Haddin turns 35 next week, his strokeplay and gritty nature will be invaluable against the powerful South Africans.
“I think Haddin deserves another crack,” said Waugh, who racked up 10,927 runs in a record 168 Tests.
“He’s been a great cricketer for Australia. He’s got that attitude, that fighting spirit and he’s always done the job.
“Matthew Wade came in and did an outstanding job.
“We’re in a great position. We’ve got three people (including Tasmanian Tim Paine) who could do the job fantastically well. They’re all great options. I don’t think any of those three would let Australia down.
Waugh didn’t elaborate on who of Australia’s specialist batting incumbents might make way for Haddin for the opening clash at the Gabba in Brisbane, but his left-field idea has merit given no other batsman in domestic cricket is bashing down the door.
Usman Khawaja, Phil Hughes, Peter Forrest and George Bailey are amongst those next in line if there’s injury or a loss of form, but Haddin boasts a sound batting record in the five-day format.
Coming in at No.7 and often taking more risks batting with the tail, Haddin has made 2257 runs at an average of 35.82, which is superior to the customary pass mark for wicketkeepers.
The flexibility of Shane Watson and Mike Hussey, who can slot into any role in the top six, is also in Haddin’s favour if a spot becomes available anywhere in the order.
As for the bowling stocks, Waugh believes swing bowler Ben Hilfenhaus and speedster Peter Siddle deserve first opportunity against the Proteas and injury-prone youngsters James Pattinson, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc could then be rotated as the third fast bowler.
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