Matthew Wade should be replaced as Test 'keeper

Seems to me that when a specific criticism is made against a young cricketer by a respected influential individual, the focus of many of the others who are ex test stars, commentators, journalists, is to focus on that particular perceived flaw and criticise the player every time a mistake is made. Its like a feeding frenzy. Even yesterday after Wade had scored a test saving century, the Nine commentators were at it again if he didnt catch that difficult chance, or was considered not fast enough reacting or was not positioned right, perhaps we should look for another keeper This despite some quite brilliant glove work being displayed at other times. I think this again often comes down to favouritism of some of the influential people in cricket such as Ian Chappell. Its obvious that there is a push to get their old mate Haddin back into the test arena. There's a solid PR job in action. Trouble is that I think many of these people calling for Haddin's return are using selective memories about the glory days of Haddin, and cant get past the fact that just maybe those days have gone. They also forget that he was being criticised following the departure of Gilchrist, as being a lesser performer. We all have selective memories of past great performances and crave for their return. The push for Warne on the next Ashes Tour is an example. We criticise youngsters like Wade, Hughes, Warner, Khawaja, lLons etc because they are not showing those championship qualities of past masters such as Hussey, Ponting, Hayden, Gilchrist, Warne etc. We so easily forget though that many of those players were no better than the young group now coming through at the same age. My suggestion. LAY OFF THE KIDS AND LET THEM DEVELOP. THEY COULD WELL BE YOUR FUTURE CHAMPIONS JUST NEEDING TIME AND EXPERIENCE IN THE TEST ARENA.

Who on earth is David Lord? Has he forgotten all the fluffed stumpigns and byes that Haddin conceded during his 40 odd test career?

While I don't agree Wade should be dropped, the signs show he will struggle in the upcoming tour of India. - Probably the hardest place to keep in world cricket

If missing a stumping is reason to get dropped - then by the same criteria it would be reason to not return to Haddin. Surely.

Actually Ian Healy came on the TV immediately after that happened and pointed out how difficult it would have been to complete the catch standing up to Hilfy. And the majority of radio commentators were also of the opinion that it would have been difficult to complete standing up. So you could possibly question the fact that he was standing up in the first place but that's not your point. The idea that the one missed catch cost Australia the match is ridiculous. If you go by that rationale, and apply the same level of difficulty, Cowan dropped one in close and Lyon dropped a caught and bowled. So I guess they both cost us the match too.

Well, well... Mr Lord, how right you were 2 days ago! Wade's poor keeping just cost Australia the Test match, any keeper in the country would have caught Duplasis on 96! As for his batting, is it just me or does he keep getting out the same way every time.

Here here. Another rubbish pro-Haddin opinion piece.

Wow, someone writes an opinion piece and people start spitting the dummy! I dont agree with Mr lord, but hes not plumping for anyone in particular, indeed, he names several keepers who, in his opinion, would do a better job. We know he is a haddin fan, but I dont think in fairness, this article is pro_Haddin, or anyone in particular. Wade, has been solid rather than good, hasnt scored too many runs and unluckily made a blue which is fresh in everyones minds, its ineveitable that people will wonder if he is the best choice early in his career.

Seen all the keepers miss stumpings, your kidding.

Dear Roar mods; there comes a time and place where you need to review the quality of your articles. I understand the purpose of this forum is to allow both amateur and professional opinion to be aired. However, from your appointed expert writers I expect a much higher level of integrity, well researched and some what well rationalised and reasoned argument behind articles. David's biased opinion in the Brad Haddin vs. Matt Wade debate is becoming tiresome. I would refrain from making this comment, however given the clear, almost unanimous view from fellow crowd members, it's time for either David to come back with well reasoned facts or be refrained from further propaganda on the issue. I've asked twice previously on separate David articles (which were both as poor as this article in terms of reasoned argument) on this topic for David to respond with facts to follow-up comments he has made to crowd posts (not mine), neither were replied to. David - forget for one second about batting and concentrate on the keeping that you seem so keen to reflect on. I need not remind you that last international season Brad Haddin's keeping was woeful, numerous dropped catches, and they were the ones he managed to get across to. India players made comment on his lack of foot work behind the stumps. And the last futile attempt by claiming to ignore Wade's 106 is amateurish at best. We can all do that. Please recast your mind back to Nov 2008, Adelaide Oval, scene of Brad Haddin's highest score. On a complete flat deck he made 169 against the poor Kiwis. Daniel Flynn dropped an absolute sitter (they don't come any easier literally) at mid-on off the bowling of Dan Vettori when Haddin was on 6. Take those 163 runs off and Haddin's career average would be two points lower at 33.77 (currently 35.82). It's a mute point right?

I agree that Wade is not the best wicketkeeper in Australia at the moment. But if he is to stay in the team it is time for Clarke (or the umpires) to tell him to shut up behind the stumps. The over-the-top 'oohs' and comments resounding through the stumps mike are an warranted piece of gamesmanship and make listening to the commentary painful.

I'd keep Wade in there for a few series at least. Australia can't go back to a 35 year old. Other keepers like Paine, Nevill, Hartley and even young Triffitt from WA are ahead of Haddin. If Wade some time.

Like most of the above correspondents I have to strongly disagree David. Having broadcast the majority of Haddin's career at times I found him to be very sloppy behind the stumps, yet he remained in the side for a long time. I clearly remember a Test in Bangalore in 2008 where he conceded 39 byes! His last 20 innings in Test cricket produced an average of just 27. I never felt he kept as well at Test level as he did in Shield ranks. I hunk Wade has done well for a man of limited Test experience. Don't ever forget Rod Marsh's efforts in his Test career!

Are you Brad Haddin's agent? No-one else overlooks how bad he was for the last year of his international career.

That's funny. I thought the defining moment of the test, so far, was the double ton scored by Clarke.

If it wasn't for the content of many of his previous articles, I'd assume Lord is stirring with this article. What a complete load of rubbish. One mistake and Wade has to go?! Give us a break - this article insults our intelligence.

Haddin, Haddin, Haddin, Haddin, Haddin By David Lord Mate, you want Cymbals back in the team, that's fine. You've obviously forgotten how poor his glovework was last year.

Is this the least supported article in The Roar history?

You say we should be basing the selection of the keeper on his glove work, not batting abilities. Then go on to day the other state keepers should be ahead because of their averages. You also conveniently ignore the fact that in Haddin's last two ryobi games, he has missed two simple stumpings.

The comments here make more sense than the original article - that's gotta be some sort of Twilight Zone for online news/sport opinion. Impressive.