Sydney Sixers stalwart Brad Haddin isn't buying the theory that injuries have cruelled his side's Big Bash League T20 cricket campaign.
The Sixers' slim 2015-16 finals hopes were hanging by the proverbial thread after a six-run home loss to Brisbane at the SCG on Sunday night.
A fifth loss in seven games left the Sixers relying on other results and mathematical equations, and with very little realistic hope of making the finals.
For the combative Haddin, it's the Sixers inability to come up big in match-defining moments that has been their major problem this season.
"I put it down to we're not winning those big crunch moments we've been known for," Haddin said.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
"Injuries aren't an excuse, we had enough good players to get the job done."
Nonetheless, injuries to key players, especially big-hitting allrounder Moises Henriques, had some impact.
Haddin tried harder than most Sixers to get his side across the line on Sunday, with a breezy 42 off 24 balls.
He felt the Sixers needed more runs from internationals Michael Lumb (47 off 38), Ed Cowan (4 off 9) and himself.
Even in his 39th year, Haddin remains a fierce competitor still capable of influencing a game.
He retired from international cricket last year, but will continue playing in T20 tournaments around the globe.
"I've still got another year to run on my (Sixers) contract, but that will come down to how much I want to play," Haddin said.
"My body is in good shape apart from this little twinge I had in my hip, but that's going good, so I'm keen to continue and play some more Twenty20."
He will play in next month's inaugural Pakistan Super League tournament and is hopeful of landing a job in the Indian Premier League in April and May.
