Aussie vice-captaincy gives Haddin fresh lease of life

Talk of a second wing, and this is it!
Brad Haddin, whose international career was all but over a few months back, is now the vice-captain of the Australian team for the Ashes.
When he was dropped from the squad for India, there were indications that the wicketkeeper batsman, who had to wait for a very long time to make his international debut because of the presence of Adam Gilchrist, would retire from the game.
But suddenly a freak injury to Matthew Wade ahead of the third Test saw Haddin been recalled and he did a decent job both with the bat and the gloves. He was one of the few players who looked comfortable against spin and played a part in stretching the Test match to the last few overs.
Although a fit Wade was recalled for the final Test, Haddin's performance didn't go unnoticed and he is now in the Australian squad for the Ashes.
"In regards to the vice-captaincy, we feel it's important to have a senior, seasoned player support Michael Clarke at this time," Australian national selector John Inverarity said.
"When Shane Watson advised of his decision to stand down, the panel viewed Brad as the exceptional candidate to step into this leadership void."
Even though Wade is still in the squad, it's all but certain that Haddin will be in the playing XI and one can hope that the 35-year-old extends his international career by a few more years.