Michael Clarke column: Brad Haddin, Shane Watson, Chris Rogers must play in 2015 Ashes

BRAD Haddin, Shane Watson and Chris Rogers are all under pressure. But they must fly to England for next year’s Ashes, writes MICHAEL CLARKE.

9.12.2013 - Ashes 2nd Test, Australia v England, Adelaide Oval - Day 5. Michael Clarke and the Australian team mates Shane Watson and Brad Haddin celebrate after the last wicket of Monty Panesar falls - bowled Ryan Harris. PIC SARAH REED.

THERE’S been a lot of talk about the form of veterans Brad Haddin, Shane Watson and Chris Rogers this summer.

Personally, I hope all three of them are on the plane to England for next year’s Ashes series. They bring so much more to the table than just their batting.

“Hadds” mightn’t have made a big impression in the runs column over the past couple of Tests but he has been flawless with the gloves, taking nine catches at the Gabba and three catches and a stumping in Adelaide.

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And let’s not forget his contributions with the bat last summer. The Ashes series might have played out quite differently without his valuable runs down the order.

“Watto”, too, hasn’t had the batting success he’d have hoped for this series despite a couple of promising starts. But he bowled some crucial overs in Brisbane, claiming the wicket of Rohit Sharma, and has caught well in the slips.

Brad Haddin might be struggling with the bat, but his keeping has been second to none, according to Michael Clarke.

He brings tremendous balance to the team and, from what the boys are telling me, he’s absolutely creaming them in the nets. I’m predicting a big score from Watto in the Boxing Day Test.

And then there’s “Bucky”.

There was plenty said about his place at the top of the order entering the last Test. He responded with a pair of half centuries — the second of which was absolutely crucial in guiding Australia to victory — that showed his class and experience.

It’s crucial to have experienced guys like these in a team when you’re bringing through youngsters like Joe Burns.

Michael Clarke says Shane Watson’s fielding has been exceptional.

I know how much I benefited over the years from the knowledge passed down to me by the seniors, and I’m sure Joe will be no different. I wish him all the best.

I’ll have a very different view of the Boxing Day Test this year. Channel Nine have kindly asked me to be part of the commentary team for the match, so I’ll be flying down to Melbourne on Christmas Day to join them.

I’m not sure what to expect. It will certainly be unusual watching the boys from the booth rather than being out there with them on the field.

Still, it has got to be an improvement on the last Test, which I watched first from a hospital bed and then from my couch.

Chris Rogers bounced back with two important half-centuries against India in the second Test.

I channelled all that restless energy into my Twitter account and, from the sound of it, I filled up quite a few of your news feeds. (Sorry about that!)

I’m sure the commentary work in Melbourne will distract me from tweeting too much this time around.

But the biggest thing for me at the moment is getting back on the field for the World Cup.

I have been told by medical staff that I am as in as good condition as I can be a week after undergoing the surgery. There is no swelling and no pain when I walk.

I can’t wait to begin stage two of the rehab process which involves starting to run again.

Originally published as Michael Clarke column: Brad Haddin, Shane Watson, Chris Rogers must play in 2015 Ashes