Published: Sep 09, 2015, 10:58 AM (IST)
Edited: Sep 09, 2015, 11:33 PM (IST)
Michael Clarke and other cricketers including Mitchell Johnson, Nathan Lyon and Steven Smith wished Brad Haddin on finishing an excellent international career after the latter announced Test retirement on Wednesday. He became the fifth Australian after Ryan Harris, Clarke, Chris Rogers and Shane Watson to do so since the tour of England commenced in July. The former skipper shared a picture with Haddin on social media, captioned, “I was 17 when I got to play cricket with this guy for the first time. We started together, we finished together. Great times my friend. #myshout.” The wicketkeeper-batsman had missed the second Ashes Test at Lord’s due to family reasons but was unable to win back his spot in the side for the third Test, a decision Australia coach and selector Darren Lehmann later said was the “the hardest decision I’ve had to make as a coach, or even as a player”.
I was 17 when I got to play cricket with this guy for the first time. We started together, we… https://t.co/9ePwRm7TSV
— Michael Clarke (@MClarke23) September 9, 2015
Meanwhile, new Test skipper Smith paid tribute to the 37-year-old and acknowledged him for his contributions to the team, especially for his role in Australia’s 5-0 Ashes 2013-14 victory Down Under. Smith also thanked Haddin for being a great mentor to him in the state as well as national level.
Congrats Hadds. A great career mate. Thanks for the safe hands buddy @CricketAus
— Brett Lee (@BrettLee_58) September 9, 2015
Congrats to Brad Haddin on a fantastic career! Truly amazing team mate, mentor and friend! Privileged to have played with #400 #ThanksHads
— Nathan Lyon (@NathLyon421) September 9, 2015
Congrats Brad Haddin on an amazing career! Always a fighter out in the middle and never backed down! Privileged to have played with a legend
— Mitchell Johnson (@MitchJohnson398) September 9, 2015
Earlier in the day, Haddin said, “I put myself in that position to not come back, my performances with the bat probably hadn’t been where they should be. I made the decision for my family that I was unavailable for the Lord’s Test. We’re playing a professional sport and I understand the consequences that come with that. My performances with the bat over the last little bit put myself into that position.” READ: Brad Haddin retires: Lehmann hails Haddin as a fantastic cricketer and human being
The New South Wales (NSW) cricketer played 66 Tests for Australia: all of them coming after he turned 30 following the retirement of Adam Gilchrist. Only Ian Healy, Gilchrist and Rod Marsh have played more for Australia as wicketkeeper.
