Haddin full of praise for Geeves
By Wayne Heming
August 26, 2008
WICKETKEEPER Brad Haddin has endorsed the arrival of Tasmanian quick Brett Geeves following his promotion to Australia's one-day squad for the three-game series against Bangladesh in Darwin.
With bowling spearhead Brett Lee taking time out to deal with his marriage break-up and Adelaide speedster Shaun Tait still not ready to return, Geeves has an opportunity to take the next step if he carries some impressive domestic form into the international arena.
"He's probably been the form bowler in the one-day form of the game so he deserves his opportunity," said Haddin, champing at the bit to play his first home series behind the stumps since Adam Gilchrist retired.
"Brett led Tasmania to a one-day final last year so he's right for the picking.
"He's a competitor which is all you can ask for."
Geeves finished last season as the one-day competition's equal leading wicket-taker with 15 at an average of 25.20.
He was named man-of-the-match in the Tigers' thrilling win in the final and also finished the Pura Cup with 37 wickets.
"It doesn't get any better than this," said the 26-year-old righthander of his call-up to the national one-day squad.
"I'm up here learning from the best in Australia and I couldn't ask for any more."
Meanwhile Haddin, who has recovered from a fractured finger, said the Top End series against Bangladesh was a great opportunity for him to shine.
"For me personally it's another international," he said when asked if it was difficult to get up to play one of cricket's lesser lights.
"It's the first time I've had the opportunity to keep in Australia since Adam (Gilchrist) retired.
"I'm jumping at the bit to have an opportunity to play in front of an Australian crowd."
With Matthew Hayden pulling out, Haddin could be pushed up the order because of his ability to score quickly.
"I've been lucky I've batted from one to seven," he said as the Australian team completed its two-day camp in Brisbane.
"In the early days it was a little difficult getting used to that.
"But I think as you get older and you mature more for a personal point of view, I'm not really fussed these days.
"I'm pretty comfortable in the role I've been playing at six and seven in the middle order."
New ozzie pace bowler for the one dayers. Not very interesting I agree but I'm noticing alot of very average journalism recently and thought I'd share it. Either that, or Haddin is an idiot.
