Boxing helps Haddin to overcome fatigue of "keeping while baking in heat"

Sydney, Jan 10(ANI): Australian wicketkeeper Brad Haddin has said that he included boxing in his personal training program to overcome the fatigue of "keeping while baking in the heat."

Haddin was one of Australia's most dominant players in the Sydney Test win, gloving an impressive nine catches for the match.

The 32-year-old has revealed that he prepared himself in gym sessions designed to constantly push him during the three-month off-season when he was sent home at the end of the Ashes Test series following an injured finger.

"As much as it was disappointing to be on the outer through injury, missing that three months gave me the rare opportunity to get my body back into shape, and I found that doing the boxing combinations when my body is fatigued," The Sydney Morning Herald quoted Haddin, as saying.

"The way cricket's schedule is these days you don't have that much of a chance to enjoy the luxury of an off-season. I'd returned from England a lot lighter so I regained my strength by training with Christian Marchegiani at Thump gym at Five Dock," he added.

Haddin further said that cricket is an explosive game in short bursts, so the players need to ensure that they are very strong to tackle the pressure.

"When I train hard I tell myself I'm doing it to allow my body to react to a split-second chance. It's good to know I can get that power needed in my legs to be able to rocket from left or right for a catch," Haddin said.

"The fitness provides extra confidence. Knowing I had that three months behind me was one less thing I needed to worry about when I have to play under pressure. The work has been done. The reason athletes get up early and train hard is to not only have the technique and skills that are needed but to also prepare their body to stand up," he added. (ANI)