Waugh Wants Haddin Recalled to Aussies
Former Australia captain Steve Waugh would like to see veteran wicketkeeper Brad Haddin regain his place with the Baggy Greens, saying the gloveman 'has a lot to offer' aside from his experience.
Haddin was forced to leave a recent tour against the West Indies because of a serious family illness and has been told to play for New South Wales to get his fitness up again.
Meanwhile Matt Wade has done well as his replacement, and will not hand over his place behind the stumps easily, having scored the Aussies' only hundred against the Windies.
Waugh said of Haddin: "He's got experience, class and know how - I hope he still gets some opportunities.
"I think Haddin has a lot to offer Australian cricket. I still think he is a fantastic cricketer."
The ICC Cricket Hall of Famer had no criticism of Wade though, adding: "Wade has made it tough and that is what you are supposed to do as a cricketer - make it tough for the other player to get back in."
The New South Welshman warned the team not to be overly confident after their 4-0 series whitewash of India, saying that a series against South Africa, followed by further matches against India and then the Ashes, would be better indicators of strength.
The 46-year-old said: "They have done probably better than most expected.
"Before the series you would say that (whitewash) would be beyond expectations but ... India didn't really turn up.
"It was a fantastic achievement to beat what was the No.1 Test team 12 months previously.
"(But) their real challenge lies ahead.
"South Africa in Australia is going to be very hard then India away and the Ashes - that's three really tough campaigns.
"We will probably have a better gauge at where they are at in 12 months' time but right now they have done everything asked of them."
Cricket 365