Blues teammate rates Haddin's replacement as best gloveman he's ever bowled to
O'Keefe backs Nevill as long-term keeper
As a 10-year veteran for New South Wales in the Bupa Sheffield Shield, spinner Steve O’Keefe has sent down countless overs to both Brad Haddin and the man who looks set to be his long-term successor, Peter Nevill.
But it’s the new man in Baggy Green, Nevill, who O’Keefe says is the most outstanding gloveman he’s bowled to in his career.
“In my opinion, because I’ve played with him so much, he’s the best keeper I’ve ever bowled to, and as we saw in the (Lord’s) game, he is basically chanceless in the things that he does and the way that he moves with the gloves,” the 30-year-old, who is currently in Chennai with Australia A, told cricket.com.au.
“To me he even looks more like a traditional keeper; the way he moves is effortless.
Image Id: ~/media/AD3AB309E69B420DA87C9F529C4ED1DE
Haddin and Nevill side by side at the Blues // Getty Images
“I know in his younger days he did a little bit of gymnastics to try and improve the way he could access the ball on his left and his right … to help with his rolling and his technique.
“I think he would have thought that he was just going to play one Test and then hand the reins back to ‘Hadds’, but I think the selectors have got a guy who has obviously excelled in his first Test and it’s a good opportunity for him to carry that momentum forward.
“I’ve had a lot of experience as a spin bowler with ‘Nev’ behind the stumps, and I could literally count on one hand how many missed opportunities he’s had off my bowling.
“And at the same time, I’ve lost count of the number of half chances, or less than that, he’s snatched up.”
Nevill starred on debut in the second Ashes Test at Lord’s, taking seven catches and making a polished 45 as he filled in for Haddin, who withdrew from the match due to family reasons.
Nevill reflects on amazing Test debut
Haddin declared his availability for last week’s tour match against Derbyshire, but when he was selected as a bastman only – with Nevill taking the gloves – his fate appeared to have been sealed.
Australia skipper Michael Clarke confirmed the news on Tuesday, and Nevill’s elevation could spell the end of the 37-year-old’s decorated international career.
Nevill kept wickets against Derbyshire last week
With Haddin following on from the great Adam Gilchrist, and wicketkeeper of the 20th century Ian Healy preceding him, the recent list of Australian gloveman is particularly distinguished.
O’Keefe has no doubt Nevill has the ability and attitude to do them proud.
“I know how hard Pete’s had to work since he’s moved from Victoria and into the New South Wales team to get where he is now,” he said.
“He works so hard on his game, whether it be batting or keeping. At times he’ll be there before training, doing extra catching, and then he’s one of those blokes in the nets that puts a high price on his wicket.
“You don’t ever see him wasting time with what he’s doing in terms of skills work. I’ve done plenty of throwdowns with him, he goes through his processes and routines consistently, and that’s why when we are in trouble as a state side, like we were at times last year, we rely on him.
“He made 764 runs (in last year’s Shield season) but what that won’t tell you is a lot of those runs were when the team was five for not many; they were tough runs, a lot made with the tail and in tough conditions.
“That’s what I think will put him in good stead now that it seems like he’ll be given an extended run with the Australian team.”
As teammates at New South Wales and even in Sydney grade team Eastern Suburbs, Nevill and Haddin have regularly trained and played alongside one another.
O’Keefe says the 29-year-old Nevill has learned from and been inspired by his older counterpart.
“I think when there’s two keepers in one environment there’s always that natural bit of competition, but what you see between those two is them cooperating together,” he added.
“I know Peter thinks extremely highly of Brad, and doesn’t have a bad word to say about him, and he also draws on his experience and his talent to help him.
“He’s a great mentor for Pete to have.”
Click above to learn more about how to stream the Ashes and more cricket