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Cricket Australia and Cricket NSW pay tributes to Brad Haddin

by IBNS 09 Sep 2015, 08:57 am

Melbourne, Sept 9 (IBNS) Cricket Australia and Cricket NSW have paid tributes to Brad Haddin after he announced retirement from international and state cricket on Wednesday.

The uncompromising wicketkeeper-batsman will continue to play Twenty20 cricket for the Sydney Sixers in the KFC Big Bash League.

Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland praised Haddin for the vital leadership role he played during a significant transition in the national team when a number of all-time greats retired.

Haddin, 37, waited until he was 30 to make a debut in Test cricket following the retirement of Adam Gilchrist and quickly established himself as a tenacious batsman and gloveman, playing 66 Tests.

Only Ian Healy, Gilchrist and current chairman of selectors Rod Marsh played more Tests for Australia as a wicket-keeper.

And only Gilchrist and Haddin averaged above 30 with the bat amongst Australian wicket-keepers who played more than a dozen Tests.

Haddin’s batting was pivotal during Australia’s 5-0 whitewash of England two seasons ago, topping the series averages with 61.63 during a string of strong first innings performances which saw him change the early momentum of Test matches.

“Brad was a vital player during an important period in Australian cricket,” Sutherland said.

“His tenacity with bat and gloves was matched with an unflinching will to win which made him the foundation of a changing team.

“Brad’s strong performances and positive influence on the team were all the more remarkable given he was dealing with the serious illness suffered by his daughter Mia.

“He showed true leadership at the most difficult of times and proved a loyal deputy to Michael Clarke when appointed vice-captain from the 2013 Ashes series.

“Brad can be enormously proud of his contribution to Australian cricket on and off the field.”

Cricket NSW CEO Andrew Jones commended Haddin for his loyalty to state and country.

“As well as building one of the finest careers by an Australian wicket-keeper, Brad has given tremendous service to NSW for 15 years,” Jones said.

“A born leader and mentor, Brad has also demonstrated great skill, toughness and longevity in his chosen discipline.

“Brad holds the NSW all-formats caps record of 195 matches jointly with Greg Matthews and sits ninth on the list of most first class matches played for NSW.

“He is also second to Phil Emery with the number of dismissals by a wicket-keeper and 11th amongst the all-time first class run scorers for NSW.

“He also has the most matches, most runs, most dismissals and fastest century in one-day cricket for NSW.

“Brad epitomises and has strongly contributed to the successful culture of NSW cricket and we look forward to him continuing to play a significant role moving forward.

“His loyalty to state and country is a shining example to all those who will follow in his footsteps.”