Brad Haddin backs Nic Maddinson for more Test opportunities for Australia

Former Australian batsman Brad Haddin has backed southpaw Nic Maddinson come good for the Australians in the future in the longest format of the game. Maddinson has struggled with the bat in recent times and has fallen well short of the pace set by the other newcomers in the form of Peter Handscomb and Matt Renshaw.

Brad Haddin, was himself a bit unlucky when it came to playing second-fiddle to Adam Gilchrist who dominated the gloves for the Aussies for the few years succeeding the retirement of Ian Healy. Haddin’s story has fueled the luck that Maddinson is going through at the moment given the fact that there are players with bundles of talent in the domestic circuit including those who were axed to bring in the reinforcements. Even Chadd Sayers has not been given a chance at the top level as yet.

Haddin stated that Maddinson must be given a chance in spite of the fact that he has not really made any impact with the bat in recent times. Haddin was also glad that he was given an opportunity with the bat in Melbourne and that the selectors have persisted with the 24-year old.

“He’s been a bit unlucky, to be honest,” Haddin told Sky Sports Radio on Wednesday (December 21). “He’s got a couple of good balls, he’s (played his first two games) against two pink balls which are a bit different, so I’m glad they’ve given him Melbourne to give him the opportunity to get some runs and I hope they give him the rest of the series.”

“I know (interim chairman of selectors) Trevor Hohns said when he picked this squad that you’re going to have to be patient, and Nic Maddinson is one of those players I think,” he said. “But you can’t hide behind the fact he needs a big score.”

Maddinson is coming under pressure from Hilton Cartwright who has been drafted into the squad for the Boxing Day Test match against Pakistan in Melbourne. This means that he will have to pick up his performances with the pink ball should he want to cement his place in the side.