Gloveman reaps the rewards of keeping it simple

Brad Haddin and Shane Watson epitomised the effort put in by the Australians in Brisbane. Both changed their usual styles and instead applied the agreed strategy of wearing down England's four-pronged attack. Before the match began Watson outlined the policy, pointing out that England's bowling lacked depth and could be worn down by a determined batting order. And he did not speak with forked tongue.

Watson did not last long but his intent was clear. Normally he is eager to grab the initiative but he put his head down and was outscored by Simon Katich, who is as slow out of the blocks as a doped dog. Haddin adopted the same approach and reaped the rewards. Over the years he has cast himself as a batsman capable of changing the course of the match or else perishing in the attempt. In part it was a reflection of his temperament. In part he was tryingtoo hard to copy Adam Gilchrist. Those following giants often stretch themselves to breaking point.

Now Haddin changed completely. As much could be told as he prepared to face each delivery. With the bowler at the top of his mark he settled, looked at the ground, gathered his thoughts and only then focused on incoming traffic. Plain as day he was seeking to cool a brain inclined to steam.

Throughout Haddin was as still as a statue and as patient as a farmer. Previously he had impressed as an excellent straight driver and a dangerous but inconsistent scorer. He did not become a great player overnight but he did emerge as a proper batsman. Certainly he thought along those lines, establishing himself at the crease, building his innings, gradually widening his range of shots. It was the most measured innings of his career.

Expecting to encounter the old Haddin, England tried to frustrate him by keeping the ball short of a length, denying him the opportunity to execute the sweet drives he favours. But far from getting flustered the gloveman just moved into position and let the ball pass or else pushed it immaculately back down the pitch. If only Adam had shown such restraint in the Garden of Eden.

Not that he scored slowly. Just that he did not rush. Instead he waited for the ball and took its merits into account with the discipline demanded from specialists. He did not chase after the ball or play away from his body or otherwise encourage the bowlers. He needed less luck than his partner as the ball moved around awkwardly in a critical first hour.

Once the storm had passed Haddin began to play his shots. Even then he kept the ball on the ground. Seven of his 16 boundaries came in the "V". Not that he has ever wielded his willow as a Scotsman does a claymore. He hits hard but without violence.

As his innings developed so Haddin unfurled some sobering drives, and after a few hours he began to loft the ball. Mostly he kept his bat straight but as soon as Graeme Swann or the part-timer Paul Collingwood was introduced the tempo changed. It was another piece of smart thinking.

Haddin has always played his shots with a wide blade. However they were not always the right strokes. Now his selections could not be faulted. He'd have had a good day at Ladbrokes.

He reached 94, then allowed himself one moment of indulgence, stepping down the track and driving a six. Mission accomplished, he took a fresh guard and resumed as previously, working hard for his runs and making the weary flingers work even harder for their wickets.