Haddin quits T20 internationals, to focus on Tests, ODIs

Sydney: Australian wicketkeeper-batsman Brad Haddin has bid adieu to Twenty20 cricket to strengthen his grip on his berth in the Test and ODI sides.

According to a leading daily, Haddin announced on Thursday that he had retired from international Twenty20 cricket, but would continue to play the shortest form of the game with his Big Bash and Indian Premier League franchises. Tim Paine is first in line to take over the gloves for the two-game Twenty20 series in South Africa starting on October 13, but the Tasmanian is still recovering from a finger fracture. He is now in Brisbane with Tasmania. If Paine does not recover in time, Victoria`s Matthew Wade is likely to make his international debut. Haddin, who will turn 34 next month, is in danger of losing his one-day spot should the new selection panel, which is yet to be appointed, decide to blood a younger gloveman, such as Paine, with an eye on the 2015 World Cup. ``I thoroughly enjoy Twenty20 cricket and have taken great pride from playing all three forms of the game for Australia. However, I feel the time is now right for me to concentrate on Test and ODI cricket. This decision has been made to prolong my effectiveness in these formats and provide me further time to prepare for the demands of ODI and Test cricket,” said Haddin. ``I remain extremely determined to play cricket for Australia and believe this decision will help achieve this,`` he added. ANI