Biography

Playing in the Adam Gilchrist era meant that Brad Haddin was forever playing second fiddle to the Aussie great. But with the legend's retirement, Haddin emerged from his shadows and carved a niche for himself in Australia's young side.

Haddin, who began his domestic career with New South Wales, was rewarded for his consistent performances when he earned his ODI call-up in 2001 and debuted against Zimbabwe. But in the following years, he would be called upon only when Gilchrist required rest or be injured, fully aware of the fact he would have to make way on the left hander's return. But with his adept wicket-keeping and batting, Haddin continued to remain in the selectors' fray who at times were forced to play him as a specialist batsman. With consistent knocks, he was continually staking his claim and when Gilchrist finally bowed out in 2008, Haddin was named his successor. Seven long years after his ODI debut, the glove man made his Test debut against West Indies and earned a piece of history as Australia's 400th debutant, who continued to play throughout the series despite a broken finger.

"BJ" as he is nicknamed, soon became integral to the Australian team for his ability to float across the batting order with his constant chatter behind the stumps also acting as a source of inspiration. His maiden Test century of 169 against New Zealand was one which even Gilchrist would have been proud of and in early 2010, he also scored his maiden ODI century against the same opposition. An elbow injury ruled him out of the 2010 Test series against India and despite Paine's exemplary performances, Haddin was retained for the Ashes. In 2011, however, he announced his retirement from Twenty20 internationals, in order to prolong his Test and ODI career. Domestic cricket also progressed side by side, when he was signed up by the Sydney Sixers to play in the inaugural Big Bash League in 2011. He was made captain and tasted success when Sydney Sixers won the CLT20, 2012 edition. After a rather poor 2011 season, Haddin was eventually dropped in the 2012 season in favour of Tasmanian, Matthew Wade. But Wade didn't have anything to boast about when was selected for the South Africa series in 2012 and eventually, Brad Haddin was brought on for the Test series in India, where he failed miserably. The faith in him paid rich dividends as Haddin had some very useful contributions in the Down Under Ashes series in 2013.