Haddin wary of unpredictable West Indies

A refreshed Brad Haddin is ready for anything from West Indies as Australia prepare for their first Test series since the Ashes. West Indies have won only three of their past 39 five-day matches and scratched out a draw in the tour game against Queensland on Saturday, but Haddin remains cautious ahead of Thursday's game at the Gabba.

"They are one of those teams that are very, very unpredictable, they are hard to prepare for, you don't know what you are going to get on the day," he said in Brisbane. "You can get a world-class team that are high in spirit and plays great cricket or you can get the other end."

The full Australian squad arrives in Brisbane on Sunday, but Haddin, Michael Clarke and Peter Siddle are down to turn out in a Twenty20 exhibition at the Gabba on Sunday night. Haddin is back in the national team after finger surgery and appeared in a couple of Sheffield Shield fixtures for New South Wales to ease the fears over his fitness.

Since he hurt his hand during the Ashes both Graham Manou and Tim Paine have shown their superior glovework, and Paine also registered some strong displays with the bat before he suffered his own finger problem in India. "I was behind Adam Gilchrist for ten years, so if you start worrying about what other people do it detracts from your performance," he said. "I am just going to be the best cricketer I can be. I am not going to dwell on what has happened in the past. The keeping stocks in Australia are in great hands at the moment."

Haddin has appeared in 19 Tests since Gilchrist retired but has twice had to play through broken fingers. One benefit of the latest injury was some time away during a hectic period for the Australian squad.

"I would be lying if I said the break hasn't done me the world of good," he said. "I do feel refreshed, and I am very keen to go. I haven't played for Australia since the Test at The Oval, I can't wait to get involved in the Test series."