In the annals of Australian cricket, few names resonate with the blend of tenacity and heart that Brad Haddin’s does. A remarkable wicketkeeper-batsman, Haddin’s journey from the quaint town of Cowra in New South Wales to the pinnacle of international cricket is a tale of sheer determination and skill. Yet, it is his off-field saga, marked by personal challenges and a deep commitment to family, that truly defines his character. This article delves into the life of Brad Haddin, exploring not just his cricketing accolades but also his role as a devoted family man who faced life’s toughest battles with unwavering strength. Join us as we unfold the story of a man who, through ups and downs, both on the cricket field and in personal life, stood tall and emerged as an inspiration for many.
Brad Haddin Batting Career Stats
| Format | M | Inn | NO | Runs | HS | Avg | BF | SR | 100 | 200 | 50 | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 66 | 112 | 13 | 3266 | 169 | 32.99 | 5584 | 58.49 | 4 | 0 | 18 | 362 | 54 |
| ODI | 126 | 115 | 16 | 3121 | 110 | 31.53 | 3706 | 84.21 | 2 | 0 | 16 | 296 | 71 |
| T20I | 34 | 29 | 6 | 402 | 47 | 17.48 | 351 | 114.53 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 30 | 13 |
| IPL | 1 | 1 | 0 | 18 | 18 | 18.0 | 11 | 163.64 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 |
Career Information
Test debut vs West Indies at Sabina Park, May 22, 2008
Last Test vs England at Sophia Gardens, Jul 08, 2015
ODI debut vs Zimbabwe at Bellerive Oval, Jan 30, 2001
Last ODI vs New Zealand at Melbourne Cricket Ground, Mar 29, 2015
T20 debut vs South Africa at The Gabba, Jan 09, 2006
Last T20 vs Pakistan at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Oct 05, 2014
IPL debut vs Royal Challengers Bangalore at Eden Gardens, Apr 22, 2011
Last IPL vs Royal Challengers Bangalore at Eden Gardens, Apr 22, 2011
Biography
In the heartland of New South Wales, Australia, on October 23, 1977, a future cricket star was born: Brad Haddin. His early years were steeped in the typical Australian passion for sports, with cricket emerging as his primary focus. Young Brad was not just another kid with a bat; he displayed a natural affinity for the game, particularly excelling as a wicketkeeper.
Haddin’s education, both academic and in cricket, began in the small yet vibrant town of Cowra. Here, he attended Cowra High School, where his cricketing talents started to shine. It wasn’t just about the academics for Haddin; the school grounds became his first cricketing arena. This period was crucial in nurturing his skills and love for the game.
During his time at Cowra High, Haddin honed his abilities under the watchful eyes of local coaches, who quickly recognized his potential. His school years weren’t just about developing cricket skills; they were about imbibing the sportsmanship and teamwork ethos that would later define his career.
A Journey from Queanbeyan to International Stardom and Retirement
In 1989, at the age of 12, Brad Haddin’s life took a pivotal turn when his family moved to Queanbeyan. It was here that Haddin’s cricketing journey took a significant leap. He joined the Queanbeyan District Cricket Club Juniors, playing until he was 15, before transitioning to the Australian National University Grade Cricket Club. Remarkably, Haddin represented the 1st grade at the tender age of 16.
Haddin’s professional career kick-started in the 1997–98 season with the ACT Comets, marking his debut in the Mercantile Mutual Cup. His dedication and prowess on the field soon led him to join the New South Wales Blues in the 1999–2000 season, a move aimed at furthering his cricketing opportunities. Here, he showcased his batting skills, notably scoring a top score of 133 against Victoria.
The year 2010 saw Haddin entering the high-profile Indian Premier League (IPL), initially signed by Chennai Super Kings. The following season, he was contracted by Kolkata Knight Riders for a notable sum of US$325,000.
Haddin’s skill was not limited to the shorter formats of the game. On September 26, 2012, he scored a century in a Sheffield Shield match against Tasmania at Bankstown Oval, his first since the Ashes test against England in 2010.
In a nostalgic return to where it all began, Haddin played for the ACT Comets in November 2015, marking his comeback with a century in a Futures League match.
Haddin’s international cricket journey is equally impressive. He stepped in as the captain of New South Wales in September 2003, replacing Simon Katich. His role as a dependable wicketkeeper and a strategic batsman was further cemented when he made his international debut against Zimbabwe in 2001. Following Adam Gilchrist’s retirement in 2008, Haddin finally made his Test debut, embarking on a journey that saw him set world records and captain the Australian side in T20 internationals.
His international career also had its share of controversies and milestones. Haddin was involved in a dismissal controversy against New Zealand in 2009, and he scored his second ODI hundred in 2010 against New Zealand. His Test career was marked by significant innings, including a crucial 136 in the 2010 Ashes series.
Despite being dropped from the ODI team in 2012, Haddin made a strong comeback in the 2013 Ashes series, setting a new record for most dismissals by a wicketkeeper in a Test series. He retired from ODI cricket in 2015 and announced his retirement from all forms of international and first-class cricket later that year.
Post-retirement, Haddin has remained active in cricket, turning to coaching. He was appointed fielding coach for the Australian national team in 2018 and has served as an assistant coach for various IPL teams, including the Punjab Kings in 2022.
Brad Haddin’s journey from a young boy in Queanbeyan to an international cricket star and coach is a tale of dedication, skill, and resilience, marking him as one of Australia’s finest cricketers.
Personal Life
Brad Haddin’s personal life is characterized by both his dedication to his family and the challenges they have faced together. Married to Karina, Haddin is a father to three children: Hugo, Zac, and Mia. The Haddin family experienced a significant challenge when Mia, their daughter, was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a form of cancer. This diagnosis profoundly impacted the family, particularly Haddin’s professional life, as it led to him making some tough decisions regarding his cricketing career.
Haddin wrote about these experiences in his autobiography “My Family Keeper,” published in 2013. The book not only chronicles his life and career but also delves into the emotional journey of his daughter’s cancer battle. Haddin recalls receiving the news of Mia’s illness while on tour in the West Indies, which led him to skip an Ashes Test to be with his family. This decision, though difficult in the context of his career, was a straightforward one for Haddin, prioritizing his daughter’s health over cricket.
Mia’s diagnosis in 2012 was initially kept private by Haddin and his wife Karina. However, the severity and complexity of Mia’s condition eventually made it impossible to keep their struggles out of the public eye. In a crucial moment, the urgency in Karina’s voice prompted Haddin to leave the Lord’s Test abruptly and return to his family in Australia. This period marked a significant shift in Haddin’s priorities, as he chose to put his family first, despite his commitment to maintaining a high level of performance in his cricket career.
Fortunately, Mia’s story has a positive turn, as she is now cancer-free. With the end of his international playing days and the winding down of his participation in the Big Bash League, Haddin has been able to focus more on being a regular dad, enjoying time with his wife, daughter, and sons. This new phase of life has allowed him to appreciate the little things and spend quality time with his family, which he values highly.
Conclusion
Brad Haddin’s career, both on and off the cricket pitch, embodies resilience and dedication. His journey from a young, passionate cricketer in New South Wales to becoming one of Australia’s finest wicketkeepers is filled with remarkable achievements and noteworthy comebacks. However, it’s his role as a family man, particularly during his daughter’s battle with cancer, that truly captures the essence of his character. Haddin’s ability to balance personal challenges with professional commitments, making tough decisions when needed, illustrates his profound strength and integrity.
As we reflect on Haddin’s life and career, it becomes evident that his legacy extends far beyond his cricketing statistics. He is a figure of inspiration, not just for aspiring cricketers, but for anyone facing life’s adversities. His story reminds us that true success is not just measured in runs and catches, but also in the courage and love one shows when facing life’s most daunting challenges. Brad Haddin, through his unwavering commitment to family and sport, has etched his name not only in cricket history books but also in the hearts of many as a true hero.