Marsh pleased with Oz wicketkeeping stocks

Australia's new chief selector, former wicketkeeper Rod Marsh, is optimistic about his country's wicketkeeping stocks, and isn't worried about replacing Brad Haddin when the time comes.
Australia's new chief selector, former wicketkeeper Rod Marsh, is optimistic about his country's wicketkeeping stocks, and isn't worried about replacing Brad Haddin when the time comes.
With Haddin nearing 37, though still in top form with the gloves, thoughts have turned to his replacement, with Matthew Wade not a crowd favourite. Marsh spent the domestic season going around looking at the potential candidates.
Marsh told Cricket.com.au: "I'm one that walks into a cricket ground and the first person I notice is the wicketkeeper. It's been excellent as a selector being able to get around to all the States and watch the men at work.
"I'm delighted to think that we've got one in each State who plays an integral role in that State's success. It's really good to see.
"I'm very happy with where things are at, keeping-wise. Every State has got a keeper who has shown enough at that level to probably warrant selection at a higher level."
Marsh went on to say that he tipped Wade as the man to take over from Haddin one day, despite some poor performances with the gloves over the years, though he has improved this past season.
Marsh added: "Well he's already got two Test hundreds. He probably didn't start the season as well as he would have liked with the gloves, but towards the end of the season they were going in a lot better."
He was also impressed with Western Australia youngster Sam Whiteman, who took 44 catches in the Shield season, and averaged nearly 46 with the bat.
Marsh said: "I've been impressed with Sam. He's only a youngster, and the thing about wicketkeeping is that, if you're smart, you get better and better and better until you retire basically, because it's an art which you learn about on the job.
"You can do all the drills and all the practice that you like, but until you actually play under different conditions, and understand where to stand and how to play the percentages – that's when you really get to learn about wicketkeeping.
"Sam is only a novice at this stage because he's only kept a couple of seasons, but what he has done is get better in those couple of seasons, and his batting has been terrific.
"I think he made five or six 50s this year. (The hundreds) will come, he's a good cricketer."
Latest
-
News
Axed Jason Roy urged to remain positive with World Cup role still a possibility
The big-hitting opener was replaced by Harry Brook in England’s squad for the World Cup.
-
News
ECB unable to commit to ICEC report’s equal pay targets for men and women
The ICEC report said women were treated as “second class citizens” in cricket.
-
England
ECB set to publish response to damning report on discrimination in cricket
Richard Thompson, chair of the ECB, unreservedly apologised when the ICEC’s findings were published in June.
-
England
Sam Hain reveals sleepless night before impressive England debut
The Warwickshire batter scored 89 to set up a win over Ireland in the second ODI.
-
England
Will Jacks pleased to take his chance to impress in England success
The batter made a dazzling 94 off 88 balls in the one-day international win over Ireland at Trent Bridge.
-
England
Sam Hain and Will Jacks star as new-look England beat Ireland at Trent Bridge
Teenage leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed collected four for 54 as Ireland were all out for 286.
-
England
Will Jacks and Sam Hain shine as England post 334 against Ireland
Jacks made 94 off 88 balls while Hain hit 89 in the second one-day international.
-
County Cricket
Surrey close on title as rivals Essex beaten by Liam Dawson-inspired Hampshire
The reigning champions are 20 points clear of second-placed Essex heading into the final round of fixtures.
-
England
Ben Duckett at peace with World Cup omission and looking forward to India series
The batter has switched focus to his next duel.
-
County Cricket
Durham are Division Two champions after bowling out Worcestershire
With promotion already secured last week, Durham required a maximum of five points to clinch top spot.