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New South Wales, Mar 19: Former Australian wicketkeeper Brad Haddin has been appointed head coach of New South Wales, tasked with reviving a team that has struggled to deliver in recent domestic seasons.

Haddin replaces Greg Shipperd, who was dismissed midway through the Sheffield Shield campaign after a string of underwhelming performances. The decision signals a clear reset from NSW management, which is now betting on Haddin’s intensity and experience to rebuild the side’s identity.

A former NSW player himself, Haddin didn’t hold back in outlining his ambition. He said he wants to restore the “aura” of the team — a word that sounds good, but comes with pressure. NSW isn’t lacking talent; it’s lacking consistency and edge. That’s what he’s expected to fix.

Haddin’s appointment comes with strong backing from Australian cricket heavyweights, including former captains Mark Taylor and Steve Waugh. More importantly, he’s not walking in as a rookie. He has already built coaching credentials, serving as an assistant with the Australian national team under Darren Lehmann and Justin Langer.

He also brings IPL experience, having worked with Trevor Bayliss at franchises like Sunrisers Hyderabad and Punjab Kings. That exposure matters — it means he understands modern dressing rooms, high-pressure environments, and player management beyond just red-ball cricket.

As a player, Haddin had a solid international career, featuring in 66 Tests and 126 ODIs before retiring in 2015. But playing pedigree alone won’t save him here. Coaching NSW is a different challenge — expectations are high, patience is low, and results are non-negotiable.

The reality is simple: if Haddin can’t turn performances around quickly, this appointment will look like another recycled decision. But if he brings discipline, clarity, and a defined playing style, NSW could become competitive again.

No excuses now — he’s got the job, and the mess to fix.