Oz keeper Haddin ready to take on the ‘Poms’

LEICESTER - Australian wicketkeeper Brad Haddin has said that he is ready to match his playing skills with rival England, and is not keen on comparisons with his predecessor Adam Gilchrist.

A year into his Test career, 31-year-old Haddin has grown into his job, as he showed in the most recent six Tests home and away against South Africa while averaging over 38 with the bat and effecting 22 dismissals.

While he’s a stylish batsman, Haddin has told reporters in England not to expect Gilchrist-like flair when the Ashes get underway in Cardiff on July 8.

“There’s talk about comparisons and things like that, I think that’s very unfair to compare anyone from any era, and especially Adam,” Haddin said.

“Adam can be argued as probably one of the best players ever to play the game, so I think the comparisons are a little bit disrespectful to him because he’s one of the greats of the game and I’ve only just started.

“With the bat, he could take the game away from you inside a session. I don’t think you’ll see any of that flamboyance.”

By his own admission, Haddin had a “shaky” start to his Test career.

He played 16 innings before scoring his first half century - what turned out to be a superb 169 against New Zealand in Adelaide.

A solid six Tests home and away against South Africa, in which he only dipped into single figures with the bat once indicated he’s increasingly comfortable in the Test arena.

“I’ve been very happy with the whole 12 months,” Haddin said.

Haddin has spent the past week becoming more familiar with English conditions at a training camp in Leicester with nine other members of the Test squad following Australia’s early exit from the World Twenty20.

They were joined in London on Tuesday by the rest of the touring party, including opening batsmen Simon Katich and Philip Hughes, paceman Stuart Clark and Graham Manou, who will Haddin’s back-up gloveman.

Australia play their first tour match against Sussex in Hove from June 24. (ANI)