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As Brad Haddin moves into his late 30s, it’s time to be thinking about the next Australian wicketkeeper.
Matthew Wade was recently dropped for Haddin in the 2013 Ashes series. The selectors said they wanted to bring in experience as Haddin was named vice captain.
With the Sheffield Shield up and running, state wicket keepers that will be eying the Test spot in a few years time.
There are three major contenders and one future prospect.
Matthew Wade
The obvious choice for Haddin’s replacement. Has spent the last year as Australia’s number one keeper, only to be dropped for the more experienced Brad Haddin.
Wade is the best batsman of the wicket keepers in the country. He has a first class average of around 40 and has scored two Test hundreds in tough situations. He was also almost selected during the 2013 Ashes series as a batsman.
The biggest downside however, is his glove work. Australia should be looking at select the best glove man, who is also skilled with the bat. There is no point averaging mid 40s if you are dropping catches and missing stumpings.
Whether it was nerves, Wade’s keeping has been his biggest let down at Test cricket.
He is scoring runs at state cricket, and is continuing to improve his glove work. If he can get some solid scores and keep well this summer, he will be well on his way.
Tim Paine
At almost 30 years old, it is now or never for Tim Paine.
Paine is a quality glove man and four years ago he almost took over Haddin as the country’s best keeper.
He is an exceptional leader and a talented gleeman.
The only thing holding Paine back is his first class batting records.
He has only one hundred at 31.61.
He has a better List A record and seems to be a good finisher in limited overs cricket.
He had a solid Ryobi Cup campaign, where he scored two fifties and was generally in on his own at the end.
His injuries have been a major factor in not getting selected.
A few years ago he was being talked about as the countries next captain, now he is just finding his feet in Shield cricket again.
I would love to see Paine back in the baggy green, but he will have to have a great summer to progress ahead of Wade.
Chris Hartley
Arguably the best glove man in the country. Has got a young McDermott breathing down his neck, but is an important part of Queensland’s side.
He isn’t the best wicketkeeper batsman in the country, but his glove work has been sublime for a few seasons now.
In 2009-2010 Hartley won the Shield player of the year after scoring over 700 runs.
Hartley is now over 30 and age is going against him. However if he keeps his glove work at the top level, the selectors could come knocking.
Sam Whiteman
Whiteman is still only 21 years old, but has shown some signs he can keep and bat.
In West Australia’s first Shield match of the season, he kept well and is currently keeping Tom Triffitt out of the WACA XI.
Whiteman was also quite impressive during the during the champions league with an unbeaten 51 in his only game. He has a bright future.
Currently there are a few good wicketkeepers floating around the country. Wade is still the frontrunner, but Paine will now start to knock on the door. It will be interesting to see who the selectors pick next.
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