Haddin confident batting slump will end

Australian vice-captain Brad Haddin says the only problem with his batting is he just isn't scoring runs.

The solution to Brad Haddin's poor batting form is as simple as it is maddening.

"I don't feel in bad touch - I just need to get some runs," the Australian cricket vice-captain said of his lean trot.

Haddin added that was also the extent of the advice from team coach Darren Lehmann.

"There's no big secret to it," he said.

"We're not sitting behind closed doors and having it out.

"I'm comfortable with where my game is at - everything is going in the right direction - I just need to get some runs."

This time last year, Haddin repeatedly saved Australia in their Ashes whitewash with his rearguard heroics at No.7.

His highest score in the seven Tests since has been 22.

Haddin said he had been in slumps before and is confident his form will turn.

"My preparation has been spot on," he said.

"Leading into this summer, I probably felt better than I did last summer.

"It's just about getting that luck at the start of your innings.

"If you get through that first bit then you start to get into the rhythm of the game, then you work from there - I don't feel in bad touch."

Likewise, Haddin said he had no problems with Steve Smith becoming Test captain ahead of him saying it was an outstanding choice.

Haddin was vice-captain under Michael Clarke and has retained the role with Smith temporarily in charge.

"They've made a very brave and very good decision in giving Steve the captaincy," he said.

"I think it's the perfect time for him.

"He's on top of his game at the moment, so that's one thing you don't have to worry about as captain if you're playing as good a cricket as he is.

"He's a good leader - he's only young and he's going to get better and better in the role."

Asked if he would have liked to have become captain, Haddin replied: "I'd much rather you remember the last two hours I did in Adelaide (when Clarke was injured) than have to do it full-time."

A big positive for Haddin in this series has been his superb wicketkeeping.

He feigned outrage at the end of his Tuesday media conference that no-one wanted to ask him about his glovework.


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