Sydney, Sep 9 (IANS) Cricket Australia (CA) has paid tribute to wicketkeeper-batsman Brad Haddin after he announced his retirement from international cricket at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) here on Wednesday.

The uncompromising Haddin will continue to play Twenty20 cricket for the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League (BBL).

CA CEO James Sutherland praised Haddin for the vital leadership role he played during a significant transition in the team when a number of all-time greats retired. Haddin waited until he was 30 to debut in Test cricket following the retirement of Adam Gilchrist and quickly established himself as a tenacious batsman and glovesman, playing 66 Tests.

Only Ian Healy, Gilchrist and current chairman of selectors Rod Marsh played more Tests for Australia as a wicketkeeper. And only Gilchrist and Haddin averaged above 30 with the bat amongst Australian wicketkeepers who played more than a dozen Tests.

The 37-year-old’s batting was pivotal during Australia’s 5-0 whitewash of England two seasons ago, topping the series averages with 61.63 during a string of strong first innings performances which saw him change the early momentum of Test matches.

“Brad was a vital player during an important period in Australian cricket. His tenacity with bat and gloves was matched with an unflinching will to win which made him the foundation of a changing team. Brad’s strong performances and positive influence on the team were all the more remarkable given he was dealing with the serious illness suffered by his daughter Mia,” Sutherland said.

“He showed true leadership at the most difficult of times and proved a loyal deputy to Michael Clarke when appointed vice-captain from the 2013 Ashes series. Brad can be enormously proud of his contribution to Australian cricket on and off the field.”