It’s rare in a five-Test series that batsmen filling the 5 and 7 slots have been so adept at stopping the rot as Brad Haddin and Steve Smith have been this summer.
Haddin, the second oldest in the side by 43 days – 36 years and 73 days to Chris Rogers’ 36 and 126 – and Smith the youngest of the baggy greens at 24 and 216, have relished the saviour’s role.
Haddin has been the most consistent batsman on both sides, passing the half century in six of his seven visits, including 118,
Smith has passed the half century twice, and converted both into centuries – 111 and 115.
They have been involved in 11 partnerships this campaign that have had a profound effect on team totals – two of them together:
200 – Michael Clarke and Haddin for the sixth wicket at Adelaide, they came together at 5-257 and the team total ended up 570.
128 – Smith and Haddin – sixth – SCG – 5-97 – 326.
124 – Smith and Haddin – sixth – WACA – 5-143 – 385.
114 – Haddin and Mitchell Johnson – seventh – Gabba – 6-132 – 295
90 – Haddin and Johnson – seventh – Gabba – 6-305 – 401.
78 – Shane Watson and Smith – fourth – WACA – 3-223 – 369.
67* – David Warner and Smith – fourth – Adelaide – 3-65 – 3-132.
59 – Smith and Johnson – seventh – WACA – 6-257 – 385.
56 – Smith and Ryan Harris – eighth – SCG – 7-269 – 326.
48 – Rogers and Smith – fourth – MCG – 3-62 – 204.
42 – Smith and Johnson – sixth – MCG – 5-112 – 204.
The averages substantiate the Haddin-Smith alliance:
Haddin – 465 run at 66.42.
Warner – 507 at 63.37.
Smith – 320 at 45.71.
Clarke – 357 at 44.62.
Watson – 336 at 42
Rogers – 344 at 38,22
George Bailey – 137 at 22.83.
Boundaries:
Warner – 64
Haddin – 50
Rogers – 44
Watson – 43
Smith 41
Clarke – 37
Johnson 17.
Sixes:
Haddin – 9
Bailey – 8
Watson – 6
Warner – 5
Smith – 3
Johnson – 3
Harris – 3.
And before Roarers jump up and down on the one spot and say what about the attack, and especially Mitchell Johnson, this is exclusively a salute to Brad Haddin and Steve Smith for achieving far more than was reasonably expected, invariably at critical times.
And they did it with power, placement, and precision to become priceless assets for the Australian side.
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Guest
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johnb747b
Guest
I, too, had my doubts about Haddin but his durability & physical skills have been amazing to watch. He's up there with Knott, Tallon, Alexander, Marsh, Evans & the rest of the elite. I kept for 12 years at school & grade levels, sometimes playing 3 games in a week. While the quicks got rested at long leg or 3rd man I had to squat for every ball. I have a new hip & knee joint to prove it. Not for a keeper the luxury of signing autographs on the boundary. It's head down, arse up every ball. The nicks come quickly, sometimes at very difficult angles. Down in R & R Land, on the boundary, one has the benefit of moving into position under the high ball, while recovering energy for the next 3-5 over spell. Most bowlers are lovely people, the sort you'd like for neighbours, but the keeper is the man you'd relish having with you in the trenches when things get tough. 'Young' Haddin for Man of the Series. We has-been keepers have to show solidarity. It's effing hard work & Haddin's performance has been exemplary. His sportsmanship has also been exemplary. Has he felt the need to glare at departing opponents, to mouth off at them? No, he just turns up at the office & does his job. I hope he is short listed for a selector after he puts aside his pads.
Oracle
Guest
In the same boat with Haddin and to be proven wrong. Very pleased for him after what he has been through. Lucky he has been there this time around
Luke Smyke
Roar Pro
Brad Haddin has been unbelievable. There are no two ways about it.
Broken-hearted Toy
Guest
Yes. He's been hard at work all series.
JohnD
Guest
Not to mention the captaincy. I think he needs to be the captain after Clarke.
Bobby
Guest
what about warner....better average than smith
Straight Ball
Guest
Fascinating that Johnson the Saviour took part in 4 of the 11 best partnerships (as shown above).
Bearfax
Guest
I think back only a year ago about those forecasting doom and criticising the young batsmen coming through claiming they weren't up to test standard and never would be. Smith and Warner copped relentless attacks. Now after Clarke, they are our two most important batsmen. Further evidence that you have to give these young players time to develop and gain confidence at this level. In my opinion, confidence is what is holding back Hughes and Khawaja. And then there are the next group, Maddinson, Silk, Lynn and Burns. Stick with them. They will take Australia back to the top group in a year or two. Of Haddin, this is one player I have to eat humble pie over. I thought he was gone a year ago and thought Wade was the future. My opinion of Wade hasnt changed, though there are one or two young bucks nipping at his heals, but Haddin is presently streets ahead of the competition and deserves his spot for as long as he continues to display such powerful rearguard action and solid glove work. Well done Haddin.
Chris
Guest
Kudos for Smith, his mighty efforts often unsung.
fadida
Guest
Smith's a great demonstration that batting is part talent, part mentality. He seems to be developing a Steve Waugh-like toughness
Adsa
Guest
At 24 we really need Smith's second coming to be a long one , knuckle down and own the 5 spot and average above 45.
Broken-hearted Toy
Guest
So pleased for Smith to be scoring tons. He looks decemt against spin which is something that most of our other younger batsmen can hardly be accused of.
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Both brilliant to watch, as myself and a few mates were leaving the SCG last night, Smith was also leaving the ground. We were quite surprised to see the star of the day and gave him 3 cheers and plenty of ' great knock Smithy ' which he graciously acknowledged.