Brad news for Australia as Haddin pushes for recall

Well, this is awkward. Just days after Australia completed a humiliating 405-run bludgeoning of the old enemy, reports from the UK suggest wicketkeeper Brad Haddin is expected to play in the squad’s next tour match in the hope of a recall for the third Test.

The circumstances of his leave of absence from the side deserve the utmost sympathy and patience. However, the selectors cannot ignore the immediate and positive impact on the side that came from the addition of Peter Nevill and young tyro Mitchell Marsh.

Both players were instrumental in the Aussies’ crushing win, with Nevill taking a record-equalling seven catches to accompany a solid 45-run first innings knock in his debut Test. After serving a long apprenticeship behind Haddin in NSW, it appears the apprentice is ready to become the master.

While the sentimental fan in me doesn’t begrudge Haddin a farewell on his own terms, professional sport is not a Disney movie. Some athletes drive off into the sunset after winning a championship or a big series, others are cut down by injury.

Haddin was presented with a golden opportunity to retire in a blaze of glory, beer and sledging following Australia’s World Cup victory earlier this year. This would have provided the selectors with an ideal opportunity to blood Nevill in the West Indies, along the lines of Matthew Wade’s introduction to Test cricket a few years back.

Fortunately for all parties, Nevill has now confirmed he is the perfect replacement for Haddin, and should retain his place for the foreseeable future.

Sometimes the selectors are forced to tap a player on the shoulder and suggest in a kind but firm way that retirement is their best choice. For the sake of Australian cricket and current series momentum, we can only hope Rod Marsh will be having a conversation along these lines with Haddin in coming days.

Putting aside all the ‘lifeblood of the team’ rhetoric that is constantly brought up whenever Haddin’s place in the side is questioned, it is difficult to ignore the strong performance of Nevill in his debut match.

Going back to Haddin now would arguably give England a chink in our armour to target. His mixed form over the past 18 months was followed by a poor showing with the bat in the first Test of the series, along with an embarrassing dropped chance from Joe Root that cost Australia dearly.

Rod Marsh and his panel have already made a wise choice in dropping Shane Watson for the in-form Mitchell III, aka Mitchell Marsh.

Big second innings hitting and incisive strikes at key moments more than justified that selection choice. Nevill’s contribution with gloves and bat was equally valuable, and his quiet, precise manner behind the stumps will be missed if he is relegated to the bench for the rest of the series.

At the end of the day, time waits for no man. Sport can be cruel, but Haddin has had his fair share of highlights and victories throughout a solid career.

He will recognise more than most that at the end of the day, cricket is just a game. This series will roll on with growing momentum, and Australia must maintain consistency in performance and selection, with Peter Nevill behind the stumps.