Brad Haddin takes over as Australia fielding coach

Bengaluru, August 10: Former wicketkeeper Brad Haddin has joined the Australia coaching staff for the tour of Bangladesh with Greg Blewett vacating his position as fielding coach to return home and take a role with the South Australian Cricket Association.

Haddin, a veteran of 66 Tests and 126 ODIs, joined the support staff as a High Performance Coach, contracted through until the end of 2019, reports cricket.com.au.

Haddin moved into Australian cricket's coaching pathway almost immediately after his playing days were ended during the 2015 Ashes, moving into roles assisting with the NSW and Australia under-17 and under-19 squads.

Last year he served as an assistant with the Australia A squad in their matches with India and South Africa's 'A' squads in Townsville, alongside former Test teammate Ryan Harris. And earlier this year that duo stepped up to assist the national team on the tour of New Zealand.

"I am thrilled to get the opportunity to work with this young group of players," Haddin said in a statement.

"I grew up in an era of players like Andrew Symonds and Ricky Ponting who gave Australian cricket a real identity in the standards of world-class fielding. They were the type of players who took it personally if the team wasn't fielding well and that created a level for the rest of the group to aspire to. I want to hold this group accountable to that kind of standard and I believe we have the talent to do that. It will be hard work but I am looking forward to the challenge," he said.