Clarke's injury likely give Haddin Oz squad berth in limited over series against Windies

St.Vincent, Mar 14(ANI): Australian skipper Michael Clarke's absence from limited- overs series against the West Indies could give a berth to Brad Haddin in the squad.

Haddin's position as Test wicketkeeper had come under fire after Matthew Wade took over as gloveman for the one-day triangular series against India and Sri Lanka.

Wade is likely to retain the wicket-keeping duties for the first one-day match in the Caribbean at the Arnos Vale Cricket Ground in St Vincent.

But Clarke's absence from Australia's middle-order could give Haddin a chance to make a comeback as a specialist batsman if he can convince selectors that he is nearing a return to form with the bat.

Queensland's Peter Forrest will be the favourite to take Clarke's position after his own encouraging displays in the tri-series, but Haddin has played as a specialist batsman in the past.

He has made nine appearances in his 93-match ODI career as just a batsman for Australia including an unbeaten 87 against India in Kochi in 2007.

David Hussey said both Wade and Haddin can play together in the squad.

"Definitely. They're both very talented batters. I haven't seen Brad in the field for a very long time, I think the last time he played in the field for Australia was the T20 World Cup in South Africa and he did OK over there. They both keep wicket very well, they both field well, so why wouldn't they both slot into the team very well," the Sydney Morning Herald quoted Hussey, as saying. (ANI)