Brad Haddin to Retire from ODIs, Defends Sledging the 'Nice' Black Caps
Brad Haddin has been an integral part of the Australian unit and has featured in 126 ODIs. The Aussie stumper has 171 catches and 11 stumpings to his name. He is also very well known around the cricket world for his on-field verbal battles.
After winning the 2015 World Cup at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australian vice-captain Brad Haddin has revealed that he may follow Michael Clarke and quit the one-day international format.
Haddin, 37, has been an integral part of the Australian unit and has featured in 126 ODIs. The Aussie stumper has 171 catches and 11 stumpings to his credit. (A Day to Remember for the Aussie Pace Trio)
Apart from plucking catches out of thin air, Haddin in renowned in the cricket circuit for his colourful vocabulary and in the finals at the MCG, the New Zealanders were at the receiving end. Haddin started the verbal battle from the first ball of the match and continued throughout the Kiwi innings. (Smith Should be Next Aussie Captain: Ricky Ponting)
However, Haddin defended his on-field altercations.
Talking to the Sydney Morning Herald, Haddin said that the 'nice' Black Caps 'deserved' a send-off. (Warne Under Fire for 'Thirsty' World Cup 2015 Questions)
"You know what? They deserved it," Haddin said, "They were that nice to us in New Zealand and we were that uncomfortable."
In fact, in the team meeting before the final Haddin said, "I can't stand for this anymore, we're going at them as hard as we can. I'm not playing cricket like this. I'm not playing another one-day game, so they can suspend me for as long as they like."
Haddin's confrontation in the final didn't only include harsh send-offs to the Kiwi batsmen, he also played a major role in riling up Brendon McCullum in the first over of the match.
The Kiwi Skipper McCullum also admitted the same.
"I think I ran down the second ball, didn't I?" McCullum had said. "Hadds actually asked me before the first ball, he said, 'are you still going to have a crack today', and I said, 'too right I am'."
A few hours later, Australia and Haddin were celebrating the World Cup title while singing the team song 'Under The Southern Cross'.
Haddin has been the first choice keeper for Australia in the Tests after the retirement of Adam Gilchrist but since 2013, he was instrumental with his contributions in the limited over format as well.
Even after his retirement, Haddin doesn't intend to leave the Aussie dressing room. He aspires to be a coach and keep contributing to Australia cricket.