Wading in on the Australian Wicketkeeper debate

There has been much conjecture recently about the wicketkeeping post which since the retirement of Adam Gilchrist after the 2008 Australian Home Test and One-Day series has been Brad Haddin's to keep(pun not intended).  But after poor series with the bat and gloves against Sri Lanka, New Zealand and India and the up-and-coming Matthew Wade public opinion has swayed towards time for Haddin to hang up the gloves.  But is it that simple?

Brad Haddin without a doubt has been a great servant of the Australian side across all 3 facets after patiently waiting for his opportunity.  He has been an energetic keeper behind the stumps, a leader and most of all extremely unselfish with the bat.  Just like the keepers before him (Gilchrist, Healy) he sacrificed at least 5 runs off his average to get quick runs for Australia from dominating positions instead of digging his heels in for easy runs.  This is what people sometimes forget.  However despite what he might be saying to the contrary he has been rattled this summer; sledging has been much more aggressive (although with the "Indian's are fragile"  he was proven to be right) and in the test series against India he looked confused as a batsman, not knowing whether to attack or defend on occasions.

Perhaps a bit harsh-in Sydney after waiting over a day to bat after the 3 batsmen in front of him scored centuries he scored and enterprising 42 not out, but overall Haddin lately has been un-Haddin like nonetheless.  Haddin is still bogged down by the shot he played against South Africa when Australia were bowled out for 47.  At 5-18 Haddin charged down the wicket to an on-fire Philander.  Even for taking up the attack to the bowler it was a horrible shot, one you couldn't even see a Shahid Afridi playing. People bring that up as a sign Haddin is past it.  However everyone is allowed a rush of blood to the head sometimes.

Ultimately Brad Haddin is down as a Keeper, not a batsman.  Keeping-wise he has receded, though improvement was shown in the last 2 tests against India it was not odd to see Haddin spill a good-length delivery.  This is where he will be ultimately judged. Brad Haddin has served the Australian team with aplomb over his career and his effort can't be faulted and indeed he does deserve to be sticked with especially considering how many chances Johnson, Hussey, Hughes and Ponting got.  But is he the best keeper-batsman in Australia now?  Is he gonna be there for the Ashes series in England?  On those 2 accounts Matthew Wade should be in the side, so for Haddin sadly the selectors might say his time is up.