Brad Haddin - Career in pictures

What can one say about this marvellous journey of 14 years which came to an end just few days back? The journey that started from Hobart in 2001 as a replacement for the legend Adam Gilchrist and ended just a few days back in England certainly left mark on many youngsters. It was always difficult to fill in the boots of Adam Gilchrist, but Haddin took that as an encouragement and indeed did quite a good job. Being a non-versatile batsman and little short physically, there were many questions raised on Haddin’s career. But he answered them all. He served his nation for 14 years with true determination and dedication.
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Let’s have a brief recap of some aesthetic moments in his career through pictures that gave a shape to this splendid career.

Brad Haddin made his debut in 2001 against Zimbabwe. However, it was a half-hearted debut as he scored only 13 runs with one stumping to his name.

He celebrates the Pura Cup win for NSW in 2003 with his fellow mate Michael Clarke, who actually turned out to be his future captain.

 

After the retirement of Adam Gilchrist in 2008, Haddin finally got his first break in Test cricket against West Indies in 2008 itself as there were not much wicket-keepers competing for the place in Australian Test side.

 

Brad Haddin, who has 270 dismissals to his name, ranks just 4^th in the list of highest dismissals by Australian wicket-keepers, just behind Adam Gilchrist (416), Ian Healy (395) and Rod Marsh (355).

 

Haddin scored his first century first Ashes century in 2009 at Cardiff, straightaway proving his worth.

Brad Haddin’s career defining moment came in 2013-2014 Ashes, when he was in the best form of his life, scoring 493 runs in that series at an average of  61.62 runs which included one century and five half centuries. Australia won that series 5-0 with Haddin being the vice-captain in that series.

 

Haddin’s true determination for the game of cricket was probably seen in 2014 when Australia were playing against Pakistan. Haddin had injured his shoulder while diving to take the catch. He didn’t go to the hospital for the reports and instead played the match completely which included him batting twice with the broken shoulder. His words when asked why he didn’t wanted to go to hospital for reports were,

“What will reports do? They will only make it worse. I am better here.”

 

Brad Haddin was certainly inspired from the fellow Australian legend, Matthew Hayden, as he was at his best while chirping and making it uneasy for the batsman to stand on his crease comfortably. His backchat with Virat Kohli in 2014 Border-Gavaskar trophy was remarkable.

Brad Haddin certainly fulfilled his dream of lifting the World Cup in 2015, thereby announcing the retirement from ODI.

Though Steve Smith was handed the captaincy over him, he never made any issues or created any controversies. He performed his duty well and always shared his experiences with Smith.

 

Haddin always followed the mantra of giving the first priority to his family, even at the cost of risking his career.

TheCrickBlog wishes Haddin a very happy retirement!