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Haddin set to miss Lord’s Test for personal reasons

Nevill has never made an international appearance for Australia. Photo: Getty

Nevill has never made an international appearance for Australia. Photo: Getty

Brad Haddin is expected to miss the second Ashes Test due to personal reasons.

Haddin was a noticeable absentee from Australia’s training session at Lord’s on Tuesday, staying in the pavilion for the majority of the hit-out.

The wicket-keeper spoke with coach Darren Lehmann and team psychologist Michael Lloyd at the venue, while chief selector Rod Marsh had a quick chat with reserve wicketkeeper Peter Nevill.

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It’s understood Haddin has not retired or been dropped, despite speculation to the contrary.

Cricket Australia is yet to comment on the situation.

If Haddin does miss the clash that starts on Thursday, Nevill will take the gloves and make his Test debut at age 29.

Nevill has never made an international appearance for Australia. Photo: Getty

Nevill has never made an international appearance for Australia. Photo: Getty

Nevill has been with the 17-man squad since they departed for the West Indies in May.

He played a tour match against Essex prior to the Ashes opener in Cardiff, declaring he would be ready to go if called upon during the five-Test series.

“I can always learn a lot from ‘Hadds’, but this tour I’ve got to prepare to play,” Nevill said in Chelmsford.

“I need to be on top of my game and ready to go should that opportunity arise.”

Nevill departed Victoria to join NSW in 2008, when he quickly struck up a close friendship with Haddin.

Haddin even asked his understudy to keep for Sydney club Easts when they played together in first grade.

“Brad has had a massive impact on my career, he’s always so generous with his time,” Nevill said when he was named in the Ashes squad.

“He’s helped me out a lot and he’s got a great eye for wicket-keeping and understands the technical aspects of it so well.”

Nevill delayed his engagement party after being named in the Ashes squad ahead of Matthew Wade.

On top of Haddin’s expertise, Nevill suggested he would be picking the brain of on-duty selector and legendary wicket-keeper Marsh.

“I’m sure he’s gong to have plenty of feedback for me,” Nevill said.

“He had a wonderful career as a wicketkeeper-batsman for Australia, so he’s definitely a great resource.

“I’ll be making sure I sidle up to him and have a good chat about those things.”

– AAP

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