Gilchrist, a hard act to follow for 'belligerent' Haddin: Roebuck

Sydney, Dec 18(ANI): Noted cricket columnist Peter Roebuck has said that though Australian wicketkeeper Brad Haddin has been a superb replacement for Adam Gilchrist, he has miles to go before he can be compared with the man considered to be one of the best wicketkeeper-batsmen in the history of the game.

He also highlighted that Gilchrist has been easier to cover than his colleagues of equal standing, like Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne.

"Thanks to the newcomer's forthright work with the willow, the Australian middle order has retained its sense of infinite possibility. However, Haddin's glovework has not been as precise as his predecessor's, a weakness demanding attention," Roebuck writes in a syndicated column for the Sydney Morning Herald.

Roebuck further said that if compared with regard to temperament, both are poles apart, as Gilchrist was regarded as a 'gentleman', while Haddin is 'belligerent'.

"Gilchrist was a great cricketer. At present, Haddin is a very good operator. As far as temperament is concerned, though, these players are chalk and cheese," Roebuck said.

"Haddin is a different kettle of fish. His chances of serving as a peacekeeper for the United Nations appear remote. By disposition, he is belligerent. Once a fight starts, he is more likely to join in than to break it up," he added. (ANI)