Nevill keeps Test spot ahead of Haddin

The evolution of Australia’s first-choice Test XI continues at pace, with skipper Michael Clarke confirming that national selectors have effectively called time on the career of veteran wicketkeeper and former vice-captain Brad Haddin.

Clarke revealed in Birmingham today that selection chairman Rod Marsh and his fellow panel member (and Australia coach) Darren Lehmann had spoken with Haddin during the recent tour match in Derbyshire and explained to him they planned to hand the third Test 'keeping duties to Peter Nevill.

Haddin, who withdrew from the recent second Test at Lord’s for family reasons thereby allowing Nevill to make his Test debut, did not take the gloves in Derby and has been conspicuous by his limited involvement in that match and subsequent training sessions in Birmingham.

Highlights: Haddin hits the outfield in Derby

While Clarke – who is not a member of the four-man selection panel - stopped short of declaring Haddin’s Test career over, he did express his wish that his close friend and long-time teammate continue playing in the hope of another opportunity presenting itself.

Lehmann effectively indicated that the generational shift to 29-year-old Nevill, who acquitted himself with aplomb in his Lord’s debut, had been made in his blog for cricket.com.au yesterday where he noted "if we have to make a tough call then that’s what we’ll do".

Exclusive: Lehmann hints at Haddin non-selection

Of the original 17-man Ashes squad lampooned by some as 'Dad’s Army' upon arrival in the UK six weeks ago, fast bowler Ryan Harris (35) has retired due to injury, all-rounder Shane Watson (34) has surrendered his Test place to Mitchell Marsh (23), and opener Chris Rogers (37) has indicated he will retire at series end.

It represents the sort of managed transition of a team that selectors had hoped for but failed to achieve years earlier when Ricky Ponting called stumps, then Michael Hussey surprised by doing likewise weeks later.

That messy scenario left a hole amidships that Australian cricket has since patched but is now hellbent on keeping watertight.

Clarke said he had been informed that Haddin would have been included in the XI that won at Lord’s by 405 runs had he been available to play.

But in light of Nevill’s performance at Lord’s where he scored a classy 45 and snared seven catches – a record for a ‘keeper on debut at the Home of Cricket – he had moved ahead in the pecking order even though Haddin is reportedly fit and available for selection in Birmingham.

Highlights: Nevill's memorable Lord's debut

"Rod (Marsh) and Boof (Lehmann) came and spoke to me and told me what they were thinking," Clarke said when asked today if he had been kept in the loop over the selectors' decision to sideline Haddin in favour of his younger New South Wales understudy.

"It’s obviously a lot harder for me because I have that attachment to Hadds, I’ve grown up playing cricket with him, we’ve spent a lot of time together and I love the fact that he’s still here working hard.

"If an opportunity comes, he’ll grab that with both hands.

"On the other hand, Nev made the most of his opportunity in the second Test, I thought he batted really well and I thought he kept exceptionally well.

"So it’s a tough one when you sit in the middle, but that’s the way the selectors have gone and I respect their decision."

Haddin, who announced his retirement from ODI cricket in the weeks that followed Australia’s World Cup triumph last March, has shown a barely perceptible decline in the polished standard of his glovework even though he did miss a costly chance off Joe Root in the opening Test of this series.

Watch: Haddin takes another screamer against India

However, his return with the bat – so crucial in the five-nil Ashes whitewash of 18 months ago when he repeatedly came to the rescue of Australia’s brittle top-order – has dwindled since then with a solitary half century and 259 runs from 12 Tests at an average of 15.23.

Clarke was at pains not to be seen to be speaking on behalf of his long-time Australia and New South Wales teammate – both of whom made their maiden Ashes tours to the UK a decade ago – but confirmed that the 37-year-old was still available for selection if needed in this campaign.

And that he would continue to work closely with Nevill, with whom he has played at Sydney grade, state and now Test level, even if he is not.

"He (Haddin) still wants to play that’s for sure and he has a great relationship with Nev," Clarke said.

"So I think he sees his role over the last couple of days leading up to this Test is to help Nev as much as possible, and they are really good friends so there’s certainly no lack of respect there.

"Hadds will certainly wish Nev all the best and hope he does well, and if there’s an injury or there’s another opportunity then I know he’ll be ready.

"I can’t be any more complimentary for what he’s done for the Australian team, and the New South Wales team as a player.

"He’s a great man Hadds, he’s been an awesome vice-captain, I’ve really loved having him as vice-captain and he’s performed exceptionally well.

"He’s done himself and his family really proud in the way that he’s represented Australia and New South Wales and I hope he keeps playing."

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