Birthday special: Brad Haddin – Top 3 performances in international cricket
Former Australian cricket had to wait a long time to become a feature of the Aussie team as he often found himself in the shadows of the great Adam Gilchrist. Haddin, in his prime, was one of the best, if not the best wicket-keepers in the game. Such was his exploits with the gloves that people often overlooked his batting prowess. A more than capable batter in all formats of the game, Haddin, on his day, possed the ability to decide games with the bat. On Brad Haddin’s 45th birthday, we list some of his glittering performances for the Men in Yellow.
109 against New Zealand, 2009
New Zealand made their way to Sydney for the third game of the five-match series against Australia. The Kiwis, led by Daniel Vettori, opted to field first in the match. The hosts made a solid start to their innings thanks to the make-shift opening pair of Michael Clarke and Brad Haddin. The latter registered a memorable ton and was dismissed for 109 runs off just 114 deliveries. His innings propelled Australia to a challenging 301. The visitors put up a valiant fight, largely due to Grant Elliots’s combative century, but failed to get near the target, losing by 32 runs. Haddin was named the player of the match as it was his innings that set up the win for the Aussies.
110 against New Zealand, 2010
Ricky Ponting’s Australia travelled to Hamilton for the third ODI of the five-match series against bitter rivals New Zealand. The visitors won the toss and elected to bowl first. New Zealand were restricted to a par score of 245 runs after a late riposte from Scott Styris and Gareth Hopkins. But the total felt like a daunting prospect after Aussies opener Shane Watson was dismissed cheaply. But his opening partner Brad Haddin put his hands up for the team compiling a terrific century to take his side to the cusp of victory. The visitors won the game by six wickets and Haddin was named the player of the match for his efforts.
169 against New Zealand, 2008
Brad Haddin loved playing against neighbours and arch-rivals New Zealand as his highest score in both Tests and ODIs came against the Kiwis. Adelaide hosted the second Test of the Trans-Tasman Trophy in 2008 between Australia and New Zealand. The Kiwis won the toss and batter first in the match. However, a menacing Brett Lee restricted them to a mediocre 270 runs in the first innings. Australia, in reply, posted a mammoth total of 535 runs thanks to career-best innings of 169 runs by Brad Haddin. New Zealand surrendered for a paltry score of 203 runs as Brett Lee finished with nine wickets for the match, handing Australia victory by an innings and 62 runs.
