Melbourne: Former Australian wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist has backed current gloveman Brad Haddin to get his batting form back and said the veteran player is good enough to carry on till the Ashes.
The 37-year-old Haddin has managed just 21 runs in the last four Test innings against India, but Gilchrist strongly believes that the middle-order batsman will soon find his groove with the bat.
"I wouldn't ever write Hadds (Brad Haddin) off. He's such a tough character and it's quite exceptional he's even in the team, given the personal circumstances he's been through," Gilchrist was quoted as saying in 'Sydney Morning Herald'.
"He's keeping almost to perfection at the moment, yet it seems to still not be acceptable he's not making runs. I would back him in to make some runs and when he does that, it will be up to him when he finishes," he said.
With skipper Michael Clarke out injured and Steven Smith still feeling his way as leader, Gilchrist said that Haddin's leadership ability on and off the field was crucial.
"He's vice-captain and was almost captain (this summer). With that comfort comes the ability to do your job and keep improving. He's now maintaining a better standard (of keeping) that anyone has for many, many years," said Gilchrist.
His form with the bat might have dipped but not his keeping skills as the 61-Test old veteran equalled Australia's record of six dismissals in one innings during the Gabba Test. And Gilchrist is not surprised.
"This Test series has just been outstanding. With that I'm sure the runs will come and he'll be able to forge on for a while yet," he said.
