Published: Sep 09, 2015, 10:38 AM (IST)
Edited: Sep 09, 2015, 10:41 AM (IST)
Recently-retired Australian cricketer Michael Clarke on Wednesday recalled the time spent on the cricket field with wicketkeeper-batsman Brad Haddin, who announced his retirement from Tests. Clarke and Haddin, who occupied the leadership posts in the Australian team which won the Ashes 2013-14 in their backyard and also the ICC Cricket World Cup, have retired from two formats at the same time. It was after their famous win in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 final when Clarke and Haddin called it quits from One-Day Internationals (ODIs), and now as Australia look to rebuild after a poor show in England in the Ashes 2015, the two veteran have retired together. Haddin became Clarke’s deputy in 2013, when all-rounder Shane Watson — who too has announced retirement from Test cricket — relinquished the post after the infamous Homeworkgate scandal that rocked Australian cricket during their tour of India. ALSO READ: Brad Haddin confirms Test retirement
Haddin, who remained a vital cog in the Australian team across formats will also not be playing First-Class cricket for his side New South Wales (NSW). “I’d just like today to announce my retirement from Test cricket and First-Class cricket with New South Wales. I’ve enjoyed the 17 years and am comfortable with my decision,” Haddin was quoted as saying by The Guardian. ALSO READ: Brad Haddin blames himself for Ashes 2015 squad omission
Haddin played 66 Tests for Australia, and amassed 3,266 runs at an average of 32.98. In the longest format of the game, the right-handed batsman scored four centuries and 18 half-centuries. As a wicketkeeper, Haddin affected 270 dismissals, which is the fourth highest for Australia in their cricket history.
“Brad was a vital player during an important period in Australian cricket,” Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland was quoted as saying by The Herald Sun.“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,” Sutherland added.
