Haddin out of Pakistan series

Brad Haddin impressed during last year's Ashes, but will miss out against Pakistan

Australia wicketkeeper Brad Haddin will miss next month's MCC Spirit of Cricket Test Series against Pakistan because of an elbow tendon problem.

The 32-year-old had been given extra time to prove his fitness ahead of the two-match series which is to be played in England.

However, he has failed to prove his fitness and will be replaced by Tim Paine for the matches at Lord's, beginning on July 13, and Headingley Carnegie, starting on July 21, Australia’s National Selection Panel has confirmed.

Cricket Australia doctor Trefor James said: “We had hoped to give Brad Haddin as much time as possible to prove his fitness for this series but after specialist review in Sydney today it is now clear his elbow tendon injury has not improved sufficiently for him to be selected.”

Haddin is obviously disappointed to miss out, but is confident he will be fit in time to take his place in Australia's squad for their tour of India in October.

He said: “It is extremely disappointing to miss any match for your country and especially frustrating in this situation where I can do everything but pick up a cricket bat.

“I have been extremely aggressive in the treatment process of this tendon injury doing everything I possibly could to play in the upcoming Test matches against Pakistan.

“Unfortunately yesterday I hit about six balls and could still feel some pain. After seeing the specialist in Sydney today he has advised me that the best course of action is to take a slow and steady approach to getting it right.

“Now that I have time on my hands, the specialist and I are very confident I can let the injury repair itself in normal time and be ready to go for our next tour to India in October.”

NSP chairman Andrew Hilditch said: “Tim Paine joins the Australian squad as a result of the unfortunate injury to Brad Haddin.

“The NSP has been very impressed with Tim's interstate performances for Tasmania and in the one-day internationals he has played for Australia.

“We feel he has the skills and temperament to do extremely well in Test cricket for Australia. It is a well deserved opportunity which we are sure Tim will make the most of during the series against Pakistan.”