Australia's wicket-keeper batsman, Brad Haddin, said he is prepared to step in for injured captain, Michael Clarke, but hoped that he doesn't need to lead the team out in the first Test against India at the Gabba, Brisbane.
The 37-year-old wicket-keeper has recovered completely from his shoulder injury, sustained while attempting to take a catch during the 2nd Test against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi, has been included as Clarke's deputy for the first Test against India, starting on December 4th.
Clarke has been named in the squad, but his inclusion is under a cloud, with the skipper needing to pass a fitness Test ahead of the match. Clarke continues to receive treatment for his chronic back and hamstring issues.
The skipper is yet to resume training, but is expected to prove his fitness during the two-day practice game against the visitors, starting on Friday at Adelaide Oval. Haddin said he was confident that Clarke would prove his fitness and feature in the first Test against India. "Michael looks like he's going in the right direction. Fingers crossed - he's our best player and we need him," he told reporters in Sydney.
Haddin admitted he hadn't entertained any thoughts about captaincy. "(The captaincy is) not something I've thought about, until I get the call that Michael can't play. I'm a real good vice-captain. I don't know about captain. (But) if the time comes and that's the decision they decide to go with, I'm comfortable ... I can lead a cricket team," Haddin noted.
The wicket-keeper said his own injury problem was completely resolved and there were no signs of any discomfort to his shoulder. "I was a bit nervous the first five days I was home, but over the last seven days I've been able to do everything pain free," he said. "I had a dive on Saturday and there was no discomfort at all," Haddin added.
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