Victory gives Haddin reason to keep going
Brad Haddin intends to play for Australia at least until next year's World Cup and perhaps on to the 2015 Ashes tour.
Relishing the 5-0 win after being part of three losing Ashes campaigns, Haddin identified the late start to his Test career as a benefit in his bid to continue playing as he approached 40.
Although Haddin is 36, eight other Australian wicket-keepers played at an older age, while his predecessor, Adam Gilchrist, was only two days younger when he completed his final Test.
"I'm very clear where I want to go," Haddin said. "I'd like to play along to the (2014-15) World Cup.
"I probably haven't played as much cricket as a lot of guys my age, but I also started a lot later at Test cricket than most.
"I haven't played county cricket. I knew I was going to play cricket for Australia a lot later so I wanted to enjoy every moment I could when I did get the chance.
"I've had some time away from the game, but I'm enjoying being part of this team and what we're trying to create.
"As long as I'm still challenging myself and things are going in the right direction at home, I'll play as long as I'm enjoying it and contributing to this team."
Haddin's barnstorming batting, keeping and verbal contributions to the five victories came as he said Australia had rediscovered the inner mongrel that marked their best cricket.
He scored 493 runs, the most by any Australian gloveman in a series, claimed 22 catches to follow his world record 29 in England last year and was one of the team leaders in creating an intimidating verbal atmosphere in the middle.
"We're playing the Australian brand of cricket now," Haddin said.
"Darren (Lehmann) and all his staff can take a lot of credit. We're getting back to enjoying our cricket and enjoying being Australians and playing our way.
"That's been pretty evident watching from the sideline.
"I've been ultra impressed with the way our fast bowlers have gone about it. There have been no places to hide.
"Once England have been five down, it's been very uncomfortable and, at times, outright scary.
"Trying to stand in front of these guys takes a lot of courage."
Haddin paid tribute to Lehmann for creating a tough, energetic and enjoyable environment and said Australia's long-term planning was vindicated by the nature of the result.
"I think our preparation was spot-on and there was no anxiety leading into the first Test," he said. "Everyone was relaxed and knew exactly where they stood."
Haddin identified Mitchell Johnson's remarkable form and menace as the critical factor, but said he was not surprised by the bowler's impact.
Haddin did not play at the Champion's Trophy but noticed significant changes about Johnson when they played together in the one-day series in India in October.
"I was actually shocked when I arrived in India with the one-day series," he said.
"I've played with Mitch for a long time but we hadn't played together probably for a good 12 to 18 months.
"When I saw how fast he was bowling on the Indian wickets and how comfortable he was with the ball coming out of his hand, it was actually quite scary.
"I remember sending a message back home that 'Mitch is right to go'.
"He was flying then and the pace he was bowling was a lot different to when I'd played with him previously."
"I'm very clear where I want to go. I'd like to play along to the (2014-15) World Cup.""Australian wicket-keeper *Brad Haddin *
