Haddin joins Chappell and Dyer in New Zealand folklore
Peter English
25-Feb-2013
Getty Images
John Townsend, writing in the West Australian, looks into Brad Haddin’s role in the “bowled” of Neil Broom in New Zealand’s win over Australia on Sunday.
How the Kiwis must be rejoicing. Not only have they knocked off Australia on the last ball of the one-dayer in Perth but, joy of joys, they also have another villain to add to the Anzac sporting hall of infamy. Trevor Chappell is the patron, of course, and will remain so for eternity. Underarm bowling has that sort of lasting quality. Greg Dyer is a vice-patron after claiming a catch off Andrew Jones in the Test match at the MCG in 1987-88 ...
Exactly 28 years to the day since the underarm incident, Haddin has ensured his name will always be known in New Zealand for his assistance in getting Michael Clarke a bowled decision against Neil Broom. Keepers can help bowlers in lots of ways apart from the standard catches and stumpings but tickling the bails before the ball has arrived is one of the less orthodox versions.
In his blog Sideline Slogger, Paul Holden calls Haddin's actions "dishonest, opportunistic and desperate".
These sorts of unsavoury sporting acts are what gives cricket intrigue, but also provide a memorable insight into the character of the people playing the game. Brad Haddin came up short last night. I can’t wait to point that out to him from the Beige Brigade section of the crowd at the MCG on Friday.
Daniel Vettori was disappointed with Haddin and his comments are here.
Peter English is former Australasia editor of ESPNcricinfo