When Brad Haddin replaced Australian cricketing great Adam Gilchrist in 2008, we all knew the New South Welshman had big boots to fill. No, giant boots.
At the same time, though, Haddin had been the next in line for years and you got the sense that the 30-year-old would take the opportunity with both hands.
In the wake of the wicketkeeper-batsman calling stumps on his career, it can be said that he did just that.
Haddin confirmed his future early as he compiled an entertaining 169 against New Zealand at the Adelaide Oval in his first Australian Test summer. The 66-Test veteran finished with 3266 runs at an average of 32.98.
The nimble gloveman took 270 dismissals, finishing with a dismissals per innings record second to only Gilchrist for Australians and ahead of Ian Healy and Rod Marsh.
That is remarkable in light of the fact that Haddin, unlike Healy, never kept wicket to the wizardly Shane Warne or the highest wicket-taker for a fast bowler, Glenn McGrath.
A notable contributor in all three formats of the game, Haddin came to the fore in Australia’s whitewash win of the 2013-14 Ashes.
He lifted the baggy green out of trouble with a gritty back-to-the-wall knock in every first innings, finishing the series with a mammoth 493 runs at an average of 61.62.
Only David Warner scored more runs in the series and Haddin’s performance arguably should have warranted him the man of the series over spearhead Mitchell Johnson.
Statistics alone do not paint a complete picture of the fine cricketer Haddin was, however.
The commitment with which he fought to win back his place in the Test side from Matthew Wade after flying home from the 2012 West Indies tour spoke volumes about the cricketer and family man he was.
Haddin put his family first when his 17-month-old daughter Mia was diagnosed with cancer and it was sadly his family-first approach that essentially ended his career after the first Ashes Test two months ago.
The Test veteran was also a highly popular member of the Australian squad.
He always revelled in a heated exchange of sledges in support of his fellow teammates and was a fitting deputy for captain Michael Clarke during a rebuilding phase for the Australian side.
He also had a lofted straight drive that time after time would produce the most effortless sixes in world cricket.
Haddin emerged from the colossal shadow of Gilchrist to become an acclaimed servant to Australian cricket.
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