Brad Haddin backs Peter Nevill despite poor series
Sep 10, 2016 at 3:57 PM
After a great start to their campaign in 2016, Australia was termed as the side to beat. In the Chappell – Hadlee Trophy in New Zealand earlier this year, Australia played an absolutely stunning brand of cricket as the Kiwis were defeated in their own backyard after a really long time. Before that tour, when New Zealand toured Australia for a three-match series, Australian wicketkeeper Peter Nevill announced himself on the big stage when he played a few crucial knocks in the lower middle order.
A reliable wicketkeeper with a steady batting technique, one expected Nevill to continue his good show on the shores of Sri Lanka. However, like his most teammates, Nevill was all at sea against the likes of Rangana Herath and co. The 30-year-old wicketkeeper struggled throughout the series and had a forgettable outing.
According to former Australian wicketkeeper Brad Haddin, Nevill deserves to be backed and terms him as Australia’s “best keeper”. “I thought his ‘keeping was excellent through those Tests in Sri Lanka,” Haddin said, in his chat with cricket.com.au. “Obviously Australia won’t be happy with the result or the way they played in that series, but I thought his ‘keeping was very good. “He’ll be disappointed he didn’t get more runs but I still see him as the premier gloveman in Australia.”
Haddin added that Nevill shouldn’t be judged on his tally of centuries alone. The former wicketkeeper added that the contribution made by wicketkeepers with tailenders is crucial as well.
“Traditionally ‘keepers enjoy having the chance to scrap their way through an innings and get runs when the team needs them,”
Haddin said.
“They’re not always judged on their hundreds but more so those important partnerships they have with the tail.”
Haddin advised ODI wicketkeeper Mathew Wade to work harder and be more consistent when opportunities are presented.
“He just has to keep working hard, and challenging himself to be the best ‘keeper he possibly can be, there’s no secret remedy. It’s about hard work and committing yourself to improving your technique as much as you can,”
Haddin concluded.