'I’ve never heard more crap in my life' - Brad Haddin refutes being intimidated by Ben Stokes during Ashes 2013

Former Australian wicketkeeper Brad Haddin has dismissed a sentimental tribute to England's Ben Stokes as the star cricketer gears up for his 100th Test match, as he plays against India in Rajkot. Stokes is poised to join the esteemed ranks of England's 100-Test club, a feat only achieved by a select few in the nation's cricketing history, including cricketers like James Anderson and Joe Root.

The homage, penned by ex-England captain Mike Atherton, recalled a supposed encounter between Haddin and Stokes during the latter's Test debut in Adelaide back in 2013. However, Haddin bluntly refuted the anecdote, and asserted that no such incident ever took place. Despite the controversy, Stokes' impending milestone marks a remarkable journey for him, celebrated for his dynamic leadership and explosive centuries, notably his memorable performance at Headingley during the 2019 Ashes series. 

“My response is I’ve never heard more crap in my life! What, we were meant to be intimidated by Ben Stokes? I’ll tell you what did happen. There was a confrontation mid-wicket and we started it. There was a plan, if you see in your moment, maybe you can niggle him enough. Anyway, he got the better of me. He nicked me off for 50 (but it was a) no ball. So I’ve walked back in and as I’ve walked past Ben Stokes I congratulated him on his first Test wicket,” Haddin said as quoted by Fox Sports.

“So I found my opening. He’s blown up, he’s blowing and I’m going back at him. It was quite amusing. (Matt Prior) Didn’t say a word. For him and Jimmy Anderson to say we were what, intimated by Ben Stokes. What was he going to do? He was a kid playing a Test match. Well, they didn’t get their facts right there,” he added.

Also Read: IND vs ENG: Ben Stokes thanks BCCI for resolving Rehan Ahmed's visa issue quickly

England haven’t won a Test match in Australia since 2011

During the Adelaide Test in 2013, Brad Haddin's pivotal innings of 93 included a lucky escape when the England all-rounder dismissed him off a no-ball while on 51. Haddin emerged as Australia's second-highest run-scorer in the Ashes series, tallying 493 runs, just behind David Warner's 523, contributing to Australia's dominant 5-0 whitewash.

The current England Test captain, on the other hand, marked his maiden Test century in Perth during the same series, kickstarting a stellar career highlighted by memorable performances in the 2019 ODI World Cup and Ashes. However, England's struggle in Australia is evident, having not won a Test match there since 2011.