There are few less enviable roles in world sport than trying to displace Adam Gilchrist and that curse currently falls upon Brad Haddin.

Like Ricky Ponting's vice-captain, the 27-year-old has become less famous for his glovework than his batting, which is aggressive in the extreme.

This is exemplified in a first-class record which is more notable for its strikerate (around 75) than an average of well under 40.

A cricketer who no more lacks quick words than quick runs, he is typically `Australian' in his unabashed self-confidence.

The ACB have already fielded Haddin in 10 ODIs and though he has not excelled, Simon Katich's understudy as captain of New South Wales remains in pole position to succeed Gilchrist.

With the great man hinting he might hang up his gloves for the sake of his batting career that may prove sooner rather than later.

But Haddin's first Ashes tour will likely provide more experience in tour matches than competitive Tests.