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Filed under Player Profile - Australia

Some say he's the wicket-keeping version of Stuart McGill who made the mistake of being born in the generation of Shane Warne. Not that he could have anyhow rescheduled his birth - Brad Haddin intersected the timeline when Adam Gilchrist played International cricket in all his glory & redefined the word - wicket-keeper batsman!

Early 2008, when Adam Gilchrist has suddenly announced his retirement - Wicket keeping position reopens in Australian cricket team & this New South Wales keeper for last 8 years - Brad Haddin, is the first gloveman to get the opportunity. Question is - is Brad Haddin as good as Adam Gilchrist was or can he match the cleanness with which Ian Healy kept wickets?

As die hard Indian cricket fan, I'll debate in against saying Gilly's ability as destructive ODI opener & as stand-in captain are out of reach off Brad Haddin who's already past his 30th Birthday (October 23, 1977). What I do admire about this new Australian wicket keeper batsman is his ability to smash sixes (he hits stright over long on & long off) and quickness on feets like Michael Clarke. Haddin is no stranger to absorbing pressure of scoring quickly as lower order one day batsmen with not much time to get settled. Not sure he'll be asked to open for Australia in One day Internationals but Haddin fits perfectly as a match finisher.

Brad Haddin is a quite wicket keeper - not saying much to the opposition on stike but concentrates hard on job of gathering every ball in his gloves. Haddin has already played 26 one day Internationals as batsman before making his test match debut. 9 hundreds in first class cricket, averaging over 41 & 270 dismissals - Brad Haddin is easily the man in waiting behind the wickets for Australian cricket team which is undergoing heavy reconstruction as greats retire one after another.

And then, there's always a chance of Haddin failing the acid test at International level which will open gates for some other wicket keepers in australian first class cricket. Relaiable resouces suggest itsonlycricket that Luke Ronchi (an attacking opening batsman) & young Adam Crosthwaite as other options Australian selectors might be trying in time to come..

Facts on Brad Haddin
** He was Australian Under 19 captain in 1996. He also captained New South Wales side when Simon Katich was out through injury or national duties.
** Born & grew up in Gundagai in New South Wales in Australia, his favorite holiday place is Fiji whereas he says he's good in cooking 'Sunday Roast'. Worst habit - biting nails and ask Brad Haddin the best advice he ever got - "Enjoy and always work harder than the next guy!"

Shaun Tait : challenging the speed gun!

Michael Hussey : Opener turned lower order crisis man

Micheal Clarke : Aussie cricket's wonder boy!

Brad Hogg : Can't keep my tougue inside!

Brad Haddin : as good as Healy or Gilly?

A tribute to best cricket wicket keeper, ever!