Haddin joins Australia team as high-performance coach

Former wicketkeeper-batsman Brad Haddin has joined the Australian men's team as a high-performance coach until the end of 2019, Cricket Australia (CA) announced on Thursday.

Haddin, a veteran of 66 Tests and 126 one-day games, will replaced Greg Blewett, the former Australia batsman, who will now take up a position at South Australia.

Commenting on his new role in the Australian set-up, Haddin indicated his desire to improve the levels of fielding, one of the two areas he will be in charge, and raise it to the expected standard.

"I am thrilled to get the opportunity to work with this young group of players," he said.

"I grew up in an era of players like Andrew Symonds and Ricky Ponting who gave Australian cricket a real identity in the standards of world-class fielding. They were the type of players who took it personally if the team wasn't fielding well and that created a level for the rest of the group to aspire to.

"I want to hold this group accountable to that kind of standard and I believe we have the talent to do that. It will be hard work but I am looking forward to the challenge.

"Given my background is in wicketkeeping, it will be great to be able to work with the 'keepers in the side and give them a sounding board," he added.

Haddin's first assignment with the team will be the upcoming two-Test tour to Bangladesh, starting August 18.

--IANS

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