It's time for Haddin to go

Amid the euphoria of Australia's enormous win over India at the SCG, there remains one nagging problem for the selectors. Its name is Brad Haddin.

The middle-order bats, led by triple-century skipper Michael Clarke, more than fulfilled their brief at the SCG. The fast bowlers, headed by Ben Hilfenhaus and James Pattinson, twice dismissed the Indians in efficient fashion.

Only one cog in the Aussie Test machine consistently misfired in Sydney and it was the wicketkeeper.

Haddin's desperate battle for form was laid bare in the game's final four sessions. He dropped a sitter from Gautam Gambhir late on the third day, justifiably attracting the ire of Pattinson and Clarke. The latter defended Haddin in his post-game press conference, but his disappointment was clear for all to see in the slips cordon after the 'keeper's spill.

Haddin failed to improve early on the final day, spilling another edge from Sachin Tendulkar that was mopped up by Mike Hussey, before conceding several byes as the pitch began to bounce unevenly.

No wicketkeeper is immune to a dodgy bounce, but the timing of Haddin's errors - coming immediately in the wake of two potentially costly misses - cannot be ignored.

If the gloveman was holding his own with the bat, his foibles behind the stumps could feasibly be overlooked. But Haddin's past seven first-class matches - including six Tests against South Africa, New Zealand and India - have reaped just 188 runs at 18.8.

The manner of his dismissals has been just as concerning as his lack of runs. A rash slog cost Haddin his wicket in the second innings of the first Test against South Africa, while his indecisive prod outside off-stump in the second innings in Melbourne was equally ill-thought. Both errors came as Australia was battling to stay in the game. They were inexcusable from the team's vice-captain, no matter how much he protested that he was "playing his natural game".

With Australia holding an unassailable 2-0 lead over India, retaining Haddin would be the easiest thing for the selectors to do. It would also be the most foolish.

The renewed optimism around Australia's Test team has come from the selection panel's bold decisions, underpinned by a focus on form and fitness ahead of past glories. Pattinson, Ed Cowan, David Warner and Pat Cummins have reinvigorated the team and the results have improved accordingly.

Is Haddin such a special case that he deserves immunity from the same scrutiny that cost Phil Hughes his place at the top of the order? No. He will hold his place for Perth, but if he falters again, changes must be made.

The previous selection panel, headed by Andrew Hilditch, had clearly earmarked Tasmanian gloveman Tim Paine as Australia's next long-term wicketkeeper. However, Paine's ongoing absence with a finger injury is no reason to spare Haddin the axe.

In Victorian 'keeper Matthew Wade, the selection panel has a fit, in-form and competent custodian just itching for his chance at Test level. He is just as deserving as Paine and no preordained succession plan should come between the Bushranger and a  baggy green cap.

Haddin has been a fine servant for Australia in difficult circumstances, filling the void left by the legendary Adam Gilchrist. But age wearies every man, and particularly 34-year-old wicketkeepers who rely more than most on sharp reflexes, nimble footwork and keen hand-eye co-ordination. Haddin, sadly, can no longer count on any of those three.

It's time for him to go and play his natural game for NSW, where he can continue to mentor the next generation of Australian stars.

The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of BigPond Sport.