Haddin heading down coaching path

Bupa Support Team Head Coach Darren Lehmann has revealed that Test retiree Brad Haddin is set to head down the coaching path.

Haddin ended his career in Baggy Green following Australia’s recent Ashes campaign, and has been spoken of as a "mentor" by new Test captain Steve Smith.

Haddin came back into the side on a permanent basis under Lehmann’s tenure during the 2013 Ashes having lost his position when he took time away to be with his daughter Mia, and was subsequently appointed vice-captain.

The keeper-batsman thrived on the responsibility, taking a world record 29 dismissals in the UK-based Ashes and returning home to star in Australia’s five-nil whitewash with half-centuries in the first innings of each Test. 

Lehmann said the experience and professionalism of the 37-year-old was invaluable to Australian cricket.

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Haddin at the launch of the Milo In2Cricket and T20 Blast for this summer // Getty

"We can’t afford to lose those blokes to the game," Lehmann told Adelaide radio station FIVEaa.

"We need him to pass on the knowledge to the next generation which will stand them in good stead.

"He’ll do some work coaching-wise with New South Wales, and we’re going to get him involved with the (Under) 19s and (Under) 17s Australian programs, and I might even be able to take him away with (the Australian men’s team) occasionally.

"It’s a great stage for him to move forward with the next stage of his life and career.

"I got a couple of really good messages from him when we were away and he’s going to move to the next phase of his life, (but) we’re going to try to keep him involved.

"We think he’s a really important part of what we started and we love how he goes about it and what he does.

"We want him to pass on that knowledge to the younger kids."

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Lehmann wants to keep Haddin involved in the game // Getty

Speaking with cricket.com.au yesterday, Haddin said he was settling into a new chapter in his life.

"I’m just enjoying getting back into everyday life,” he said. “I haven’t missed the game at all.

"I haven’t missed getting up and preparing to be a better cricketer every day, and pushing your body to the limit to get the most out of it.

"I still love the game and I’ll forever be involved in it, but it was a great time to give it away."

The Sydney Sixers foundation player is also excited about taking part in this season’s Big Bash League on a full-time basis.

"We’ve got a great group of guys together, we’ve got a really great culture around not only our playing group, but everyone around our back room, and it’s really enjoyable,” he said.

"I’ve had a little bit of a taste of it here and there, but I’m really looking forward to this time being involved for the whole season."