Pressure off centurion Haddin

Wicketkeeper insists he's never tried to replicate efforts of Gilchrist

Last updated: 30th November 2008

Pressure off centurion Haddin

Haddin: Given the tough job of taking over from Gilchrist

It's probably no different to what I did in state cricket just probably the scrutiny you are under because you are on the international stage

Brad Haddin
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Brad Haddin was a relieved man after hitting his maiden Test century for Australia in the second Test against New Zealand.

The wicketkeeper smashed 169 on day three in Adelaide, putting on 181 in partnership with vice-captain Michael Clarke, who made 110.

Haddin had previously failed to register a half-century in his 15 Test innings since taking over behind the stumps from Adam Gilchrist.

After a difficult tour of India the 31-year-old admits he began to doubt himself, but is hoping his fine knock will ease the pressure on his shoulders.

Under scrutiny

"I think in India, with the bat in the back end of that tour, I started doubting myself, probably putting too much pressure on myself," he said.

"But the bottom line was I was doing all the work I could possibly do and doing all the right things off the field.

"It's probably no different to what I did in state cricket just probably the scrutiny you are under because you are on the international stage.

"I don't think it will change my mindset too much, the way I go about things, it might get you guys (the media) off my back for a couple of weeks."

Haddin had the unenviable task of filling the sizeable void left by Gilchrist's international retirement at the start of the year.

Best players

The New South Wales gloveman - who was dropped on 72 by Daniel Flynn before going on to reach three figures - insists he has never tried to replicate the style of his predecessor.

"I've said it before, Adam is arguably one of the best players ever to play the game," he added.

"I can only trust what I'm do is going to be successful at Test cricket and not try to be anyone else. I think it's quite embarrassing.

"People keep mentioning Adam's name because he's one of the greats in the game and I've played half-a-dozen Test matches."