WICKETKEEPER Brad Haddin, who described Australia's innings defeat in Adelaide as ''rock bottom'', admitted the national team had to live up to the standards expected of anyone entrusted with the baggy green Test cap.
Haddin said the players knew the public expected better than the capitulation in the second Test at the Adelaide Oval.
''I think when you look at Adelaide, we just didn't play to the high standards we should have,'' Haddin said. ''We have to make sure we play to the standard of the baggy green cap. I hope Adelaide was rock bottom for us and that we're on our way back. We all know we have to produce in Perth.''
Haddin - who, like Mike Hussey, displayed his devotion to duty by going against his hurricane-style batting to grind out a defiant 136 in Brisbane and then a gritty 56 in Adelaide - said the team's performances had left it open to scathing criticism. However, he said rather than single out individuals for public dissection, it should be one-in, all-in.
''It's unfair to single out a select group of bowlers or batters. ''However, the game we produced in Adelaide leaves you open to criticism. We weren't anywhere near where we should have been there, whether it was with the ball or bat in hand.''
Haddin, who welcomed the chance to spend time with his wife and two children, admitted it had been hard to not focus on the challenge that awaits him and his teammates in Perth.
''It's been good to be back and see my family, but from a personal view while you enjoy the quality time, it's not easy to switch off,'' he said.
Haddin, who made a successful return from an elbow injury that prevented him from picking up a bat, said the months out recuperating instilled a real hunger within. ''I don't know if I've done anything different,'' he said of his batting. ''I carried the injury for at least six months before I stopped playing and the rest has definitely helped.''
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