Haddin unfazed by captaincy

Brad Haddin will not tamper with his gameplan when he leads Australia in the Twenty20 international against Pakistan

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Australia wicketkeeper-batsman and stand-in captain Brad Haddin does not expect his role to change drastically when he leads his team in the one-off Twenty20 international against Pakistan in Dubai tomorrow.

The match will mark the end of a series between the two teams at the neutral off-shore venue which Pakistan consider their home series.

Australia emerged winners in the five one-day matches, clinching the series 3-2 despite resting regular captain Ricky Ponting, top-order batsman Michael Hussey and left-arm paceman Mitchell Johnson.

Michael Clarke led the team in the one-dayers but has now returned home to rest ahead of the World Twenty20 in England in June and the subsequent Ashes series.

Haddin, who opened the batting in all five ODI matches at an average of 22, will skipper the side in Clarke’s absence but insists the extra responsibility will not have too big a bearing on his game.

“It’s a great honour to lead Australia, but my role will not change much,” the 31-year-old said.

“However, you are only as good as your team and we are not a very strong team for this clash.

“Having said that, we have had a very successful one-day series from our team’s point of view and we also have had the opportunity of getting in some new faces.

“The performances of Doug Bollinger and the rise of Callum Ferguson on the international stage is an excellent sign for us.”

Haddin is relishing the prospect of leading his side tomorrow.

“I am looking forward to another exciting clash against a very talented Pakistan team,” he said.

“A few of those guys can win a game on their own, but with a long tour behind us I guess our guys would be looking for a bit of fun.”

Haddin indicated fast bowler Brett Lee, who has not bowled in an international match since the Boxing Day Test against South Africa, would be used.

“Brett has been out for long time and now he is itching to get back to bowl,” Haddin said.

“It’s a good thing for us because when a guy like Brett comes back it lifts the quality of the squad and it is very exciting,” he said.

Pakistan skipper Younus Khan will be looking to assess the quality of his team ahead of the World Twenty20.

“We need to take full advantage so that we know where we stand,” he said.

“We have to grab every opportunity we get against Australia because they are a top team and are dangerous in any form of the game.

“We have to be at our best to win.”