Ian Healy has called for Brad Haddin to be handed back his spot in Australia’s Ashes XI, amid reports the veteran Test wicketkeeper won’t be picked for the third Test in favour of Peter Nevill.
Signs have pointed to Nevill’s retention for the Test in Edgbaston from Wednesday following his impressive debut at Lord’s, when he scored a polished 45 and snared seven catches.
That performance has prompted calls for a permanent change, a move apparently in the works last week when Nevill took the gloves ahead of Haddin against Derbyshire.
The 29-year-old also batted at No.6 above Shane Watson and Haddin in the warm-up match, though he managed only a solitary run.
On Tuesday News Corp Australia reported Nevill’s re-selection was a done deal, with national selectors having already made the difficult decision to leave Haddin out as Australia attempt to take a 2-1 lead in the series.
It could mean the end of the 37-year-old’s illustrious 66-Test international career.
But former Australian Test wicketkeeper Ian Healy is adamant Haddin should not lose his spot just yet.
“I think that’s a harsh call on Brad Haddin,” he told Fox Sports.
“I’d like him to have a chance to redeem his Cardiff performance and then maybe at the end of the series – or when he doesn’t redeem himself – then we can move to Nevill.
“But the good thing is we know our next position as a wicketkeeper is all set.”
ChrisB
Guest
Spot on. He's had 3 perfect opportunities to call it quits - 13/14 Ashes, SA tour 2014, World Cup. He didn't take them. I hope all is going well for his family now, it's been a horrible situation, but really his time at international level should be up
ChrisB
Guest
Both are a classic case of why fans and the Channel Nine team, should not pick test teams
AJ
Guest
There are plenty of good keepers around Australia who never even get one chance. This is the Australian cricket team, there has to be harsh calls.
Ian
Guest
Really only one thing is relevant. Who is the best keeper available now?
riddler
Guest
twas.. we agree on something.. am going to go take a cold shower and try and wake up.. ;)
riddler
Guest
good observation monkman.. didn't realise the figures from that period.. just remember the hoopla over the gabba test..
Axle an the Guru
Guest
I've been a fan of Haddin for a long time, but his time is up. When you look at it, he should not have been selected for this tour. He should have got the message when Smith got the captaincy with the Clarke injury.
Jameswm
Guest
Don't see how this is a low blow. You're saying Haddin should have got his spot back regardless of how he and Nevill have been performing. Nevill got a go (albeit in unfortunate circumstances) and showed what a lot of us thought, that he makes a better contribution to the team. How is it a low blow? The selectors have to make a call and go for what they see is the better option. Pretty logical.
jamesb
Guest
“But the good thing is we know our next position as a wicketkeeper is all set.” That's why Nevill was selected heals. We had a younger alternative knocking the door down to get selected, while Haddin has been average for the last 18 months.
Broken-hearted Toy
Guest
I agree, it has been ballsed up by CA. It sends a terrible message to the other players that Haddin has lost his place this way when he should have been dropped before..
The Bush
Roar Guru
And that's the thing TWAS, in normal circumstances it is obviously poor for team moral to keep a guy out of the team after he stepped away for personal reasons, just cause the incumbent did well - but that is only if you were doing well before you had to step away. The reality is Haddin stepped down from the game before the team sheet was announced and he was a very real chance of missing it! Haddin's form has been horrible for an extended period, at least 18 months, and at 37 you are a test-by-test proposition.
Christo the Daddyo
Guest
" I expect Neville will be feeling he has not fully earned the gig." Not sure why - he batted and kept wickets better than Haddin has been doing. And I would hope the coaching staff and teammates would be giving him every bit of support they could.
HB
Roar Rookie
Completely agree. CA has completely ballsed this up. They've done the opposite of what they should have done. They should have dropped Haddin earlier based on his form, but they didn't. And they shouldn't be dropping Haddin straight after having to take a test off due to a family crisis, but they are. Haddin should be dropped, but this is a terrible way to do it.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Harsh, but only harsh because he was already kept on longer than he should have.
CW
Guest
I am with Healy on this. Yes Neville if Haddin had have been dropped for form reasons. But he was not. For personal reasons instead.. My take is that CA did not have the bottle to tap Haddin before this out of sentimentality.They saw this current situation as the perfect opportunity to do so. Harsh call. Low shot. I expect Neville will be feeling he has not fully earned the gig. Will certainly be having mixed feelings. As Haddin has been a mentor and friend since he came to Sydney to further his career.
Jameswm
Guest
What's happened is that Nevill has got a go, and proven he is better for the team. It's sad why Hads missed the 2nd test, but Nevill got a shot and is considered better. End of story. I also agree with whoever says he balances our batting better - a grafter in between our dashers at 6 (MMarsh) and 8 (Johnson), though MMarsh has shown he can dig in when needed.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
I think many have been caught up in the sentimentality and emotion of the Haddin situation. This is the second time he has had to be replaced due to personal reasons. Both times his form was poor and was retained prior to needing to miss tests, due to uncertainty of a replacement being able to perform. Both times they have. You have to consider though that if the risk of dropping him is removed, then why would you reinstate the player in poor form?
AR
Guest
Agree. The Ashes and World Cup was the perfect time for Haddin to retire.
John
Guest
Professional sport has no room for sentimentality, very few players ever get to leave on their own terms. Haddin should have retired from test cricket at the end of the last ashes and probably from one-day cricket at the end of the world cup. He did neither and he's no longer the country's No.1 wicketkeeper - tough.
josh
Roar Rookie
Makes central contracts for older players look silly. Word is that is why haddin, Watson won't retire, they loose out in the current contract. You would almost think the older players, be put on notice effectivly and not be given central contracts instead get a pay for play contract.