Ashes controversy will help Nevill: Haddin

Former Australia wicketkeeper Brad Haddin says the difficult circumstances surrounding Peter Nevill's Test debut will only make his successor a better player in the future.

Nevill pulled on the Baggy Green for the first time in the second Ashes Test at Lord's in July, the joy of his call-up no doubt tempered by the fact Haddin - his long-time NSW teammate and mentor - missed the match to be with his daughter, who was battling ill health.

Nevill then held his place for the remainder of the series, despite Haddin being available for selection again, meaning the 66-Test veteran's final act as a Test cricketer came in the first Test in Cardiff.

The decision to overlook Haddin for the final three Tests of the series drew criticism from former Test greats Ricky Ponting, Shane Warne, Matthew Hayden and Ian Healy, while Haddin himself has expressed no regret over his decision to stand down for the Lord's Test.

WATCH: Nevill takes seven catches on debut at Lord's

An unwilling player caught in the controversy surrounding Haddin's exit was Nevill, and his mentor believes the experience will ultimately prove beneficial.

"He came in in England under pretty extreme circumstances. There was a lot of pressure," Haddin told Inside Cricket.

"He came in in circumstances that wasn't ideal and I think that series will hold him in good stead. You won't get a tougher series than that to debut in."

Having announced his international retirement in September, Haddin has been impressed by Nevill's work in the opening two Tests of the Trans-Tasman series against New Zealand.

Quick Single: Nevill key to O'Keefe's success

The 30-year-old has only been required to play a minor role with the bat in a series dominated by top-order batsman, and Haddin believes the 'keeper's near anonymity underlines his quality. 

"I think he's going outstanding," Haddin said.

WATCH: Steve Waugh presents Peter Nevill his Baggy Green

"I think his keeping has looked really sharp in the first two Test matches and I think the best thing about Nev is you haven't noticed him. There's been no talk at all about him.

"The only time you get noticed as a keeper is when you drop Joe Root on naught or something. You don't get noticed if you're doing your job."

Haddin's reference to Root refers to the catch the Australian dropped on the opening day of the Cardiff Test, a let-off the England star took full advantage of by posting a match-defining century.

Nevill made a flying start to his international career in England, taking his first Test catch from just his second ball on his way to 17 dismissals for the series. 

He posted his maiden Test half-century at Edgbaston and heads into next week's Adelaide Test with an average of 25 with the bat.