I feel sorry for Brad Haddin: Shane Watson

Brad Haddin was left out of Australia’s 14-man squad for Friday’s match against Sri Lanka and Sunday’s match against India in Sydney and Brisbane respectively Getty Images

Sydney: Feb 15, 2012

Australian all-rounder Shane Watson today said the national selectors owe an explanation to out of favour wicketkeeper Brad Haddin on whether he has been dropped or rested from the one-day team.

The 34-year-old Haddin was left out of Australia’s 14-man squad for Friday’s match against Sri Lanka and Sunday’s match against India in Sydney and Brisbane respectively.

Watson, who will come back from a calf injury later this year, said Haddin should be told clearly about his future.

“I actually feel really sorry for Brad at the moment.

He’s been left in a bit of limbo unfortunately,” Watson told reporters.

“He doesn’t know which way he’s going, whether he’s being rested or dropped … someone who’s played an important role over the last five years in all forms of the game for Australia I think definitely deserves to be told either way what his future holds.

“If I was in that same situation, I’d be pretty disappointed.”

Watson said despite being off-colour right now, Haddin still had a lot to offer to Australian cricket but the uncertainty will adversely affect him.

“It’s important for him just to know which direction he’s going,” Watson said.

“There’s no doubt that I think he’s still got a fair bit of cricket left in him. He’s a very talented cricketer – he’s still very fit and hungry.

“I think this mental burden that’s there of not knowing either way has maybe taken its toll a little bit.” (PTI)