Win in Sydney not enough to wash Ashes debacle: Haddin

SYDNEY - Australian vice-captain Brad Haddin Saturday admitted that the team’s performance in the ongoing Ashes series will remain unacceptable irrespective of whatever happens in the final Test starting here Monday.

Haddin said the results have been disappointing for the team as well as the fans. Australia are trailing 1-2 in the series against arch-rivals England and have lost the chance to regain the Ashes urn for the third consecutive time.

“No it does not,” Haddin told the Sydney Morning Herald when asked whether a win in Sydney would suffice for the Ashes loss.

“I do not think we can really draw a line on performances this summer. We are disappointed with the way we have performed in the series and we cannot shy away from that. Our results have not been acceptable for us and for the people watching. England have played some very good cricket and they deserve to be in the position they are in retaining that urn.”

The wicket-keeper batsman, however, stressed the importance of getting over the past performances to go for a win in the final Test.

“We are bitterly disappointed and it still hurts. But you have got to get over it pretty quick. We have got a couple of days to regroup and get our heads back in line for the Sydney Test match. The bottom line is we have lost the Ashes but we can still draw the series.”

Haddin’s appointment came as permanent skipper Ricky Ponting suffered a finger injury. And the gloveman sees the change as a temporary one.

“I do not think my role will change to what it has been over the last 12 to 18 months. We will be doing whatever we can to get the results we want and the Australian public deserve,” he said.