New Delhi, 18 March (H.S.):

Former Australia wicketkeeper‑batsman Brad Haddin has been named the new head coach of New South Wales’ men’s team, Cricket New South Wales announced on Wednesday. The 48‑year‑old will replace Greg Shipperd, taking over the role from June after Shipperd’s tenure was ended one year before the expiry of his contract.

Haddin returns to the New South Wales setup for the first time since playing his last match for the state in November 2014. Over the years, he has amassed wide‑ranging coaching experience, having worked as an assistant and fielding coach with the Australia men’s team under Darren Lehmann and Justin Langer.

At present, he serves as assistant coach of Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League, under head coach Ricky Ponting, after previously holding the same role with Sunrisers Hyderabad.

In a statement, Haddin said “NSW cricket has been such an integral part of my life, and to rejoin the team as head coach is a moment of immense pride for me and my family.”

Expressing his enthusiasm for the new role, he added, “I’m excited to work with our existing pool of talented players to breathe new energy into NSW cricket and build a team with a bold, distinct style that all of us can be proud of.”

Cricket NSW chief executive Lee Germon described Haddin as a “highly respected coach” with proven experience at both international and franchise level, and underlined his deep understanding of the state’s playing style and culture. “We are proud that Brad will guide our Blues team, and we are looking forward to working with him from June onward,” Germon said.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar