Axed from Oz 20-20 squad, Haddin fears for career

SYDNEY - Australia’s cricket selectors are yet to inform wicketkeeper Brad Haddin about his axing from the national Twenty20 side, even as he fears that his cricket career may just be over sooner than later.

Selectors are yet to inform Haddin as to why he was left out of this week’s matches against England despite Andrew Hilditch publicly declaring the New South Wales wicketkeeper as Australia’s No.1 gloveman in all three forms of the game.

“If CA want to come forward and clarify the situation then fine, if they don’t then we will just play on,” the Daily Telegraph quoted Haddin’s manager. Peter Lovitt, as saying last night.

Lovitt said it was too early to call for a meeting with CA, as reported on a TV bulletin last night.

“I don’t think we need to at this stage. It’s depending on if the situation gets out of hand. I haven’t any intention to go down and meet CA for a meeting with Brad.”

The Haddin camp does not want to turn the issue into a major drama but there are fears about the ramifications Australia’s search for a long-term captain post Ponting could have on the Test glove man.

Tim Paine has been named as vice-captain in Australia’s Twenty20 side this week and yesterday captained the PM’s XI in a move designed by selectors to assess how he could cope with the dual responsibilities of captaincy and keeping.

Haddin, along with veteran batsman Michael Hussey, was one of few Australians who enhanced his reputation during the 3-1 defeat to England in the Ashes so he could consider himself highly unlucky should he be dropped from the next Test side in August against Sri Lanka.

Among the scenarios that could happen is Paine being drafted into the side to play purely as a batsman, allowing Haddin to retain his job.

Paine, who impressed with bat and gloves in series against Pakistan and India last year, said earlier this week he was ready to bat at No.6 in the Test side if asked.

He has also opened with distinction in the 50-over side for periods in the last 18 months while Haddin has been injured.

Haddin said earlier this week he was mystified to be left out of the Twenty20 team.

Meanwhile, Tasmania’s cricket hierarchy has given no thought to promoting potential national skipper Paine to the state’s captaincy, coach Tim Coyle told AAP.

Tigers skipper George Bailey indicated on Sunday he would give up the captaincy in order to aid Paine’s development. But Coyle said he had not considered promoting Paine from his position as vice-captain. (ANI)