Out of sorts Haddin told to play in Big Bash

Perth: As a triumphant Australian cricket team takes a brief break after crushing India in the third Test here, out-of-form wicketkeeper-batsman and vice-captain Brad Haddin has been told to play in the Big Bash Twenty20 League.

"Brad Haddin`s indifferent form has seen him released to play in the Big Bash along with players on the fringe of Australia`s Test side, in the clearest sign yet national selectors are concerned by the wicketkeeper`s dwindling output," reported `The Age`. Australia won the third Test with two days to spare giving the team`s players an extended break before the fourth Test in Adelaide from January 24. But Haddin has been released for Big Bash given his poor form with the bat besides the less-than-impressive show behind the stumps. "Rather than spend the week resting after Australia regained the Border-Gavaskar Trophy with a dominant victory in Perth, Haddin has been told by team management to line up for Sydney Sixers tomorrow night in a bid to rediscover form." "Out-of-touch No. 3 Shaun Marsh, paceman Mitchell Starc and spinner Nathan Lyon have also been cleared to fulfill their Big Bash duties." The 34-year-old wicketkeeper has scored only 53 runs from in his last five innings. PTI