The Story
Former Test wicket keeper Brad Haddin has joined the Australia coaching staff for the coming Tour of Bangladesh as a replacement for the fielding coach Greg Blewett.
Haddin will be joining the Support Staff as a High-Performance Coach and has earned the contract which stretches till the end of 2019.
The vacancy opened up for the veteran of 66 Tests and 126 One-Day games after Blewett quit his position to take a role with the South Australian Cricket Association.
“I am thrilled to get the opportunity to work with this young group of players,” Haddin said in a statement.
Quick Transition
Haddin retired from the Test format in 2015 and quickly began making a reputation in the Australian cricket’s coaching circle, picking up the role of assistant coach with the New South Wales and Australia under-17 and under-19 squads.
Later, he moved up in the ranks to serve as the assistant with the Australia A squad in their matches with India and South Africa’s ‘A’ squads in Townsville last year before proceeding to assist the national team on the Tour of New Zealand earlier this year.
“I grew up in an era of players like Andrew Symonds and Ricky Ponting who gave Australian cricket a real identity in the standards of world-class fielding. They were the type of players who took it personally if the team wasn’t fielding well and that created a level for the rest of the group to aspire to.
“I want to hold this group accountable to that kind of standard and I believe we have the talent to do that. It will be hard work but I am looking forward to the challenge.
“Given my background is in wicket keeping it will be great to be able to work with the ‘keepers in the side and give them a sounding board.”
Lehmann Excited
Head Coach Darren Lehmann said he was happy to have Haddin in his team. He was confident that Haddin would be able to continue the good work which Blewett was known for during his stint.
“It has been fantastic having Greg involved in the side, and we are really pleased he is staying within the Australian Cricket Coaching System to continue developing young talent in South Australia,” said Lehmann in a statement.
“Brad had a wonderful career as a player for Australia and will bring a multi skill set to our environment. His primary focus will be on fielding, carrying on the good work that Greg has done, but will also work very closely with our wicketkeepers.
“Having someone with a pedigree such as Brad’s to bounce ideas off and fine tune their skills will be immensely valuable for our ‘keepers,” concluded Lehmann.