Haddin may be ‘shock’ contender for deputy role in Oz Ashes squad

Sydney: In a surprise naming of their Ashes squad in Sydney slated on Wednesday, wicketkeeper Brad Haddin reportedly may be a ‘shock’ contender to fill the vice-captain role made vacant by Shane Watson.

Having been in the Test wilderness for more than 12 months since he was unseated as wicketkeeper by incumbent Matthew Wade, Haddin is a now genuine chance to be named Michael Clarke`s deputy when selectors announce their 16- or 17-man squad, News.com.au reports. According to the report, the identity of Clarke`s deputy has remained a mystery since Watson stood down from the post last week following a tumultuous tour of India. However, the report added that since Australia has suffered from a lack of experience following the retirements of Ricky Ponting and Michael Hussey, it has left Haddin as a viable option to be Clarke`s right-hand man. The report also said that opening batsmen Dave Warner and Ed Cowan, along with Wade, are also being considered for the vice-captaincy role. The veteran Haddin, known to be a confidante of Clarke`s, flew to India in March as a last-minute replacement for Matthew Wade and played in Australia`s third-Test loss to India in Mohali, the report added. ANI