Haddin remains focused

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Brad Haddin insists he won't lose any sleep over the growing speculation surrounding his position in the Australian Test line-up ahead of next month's Ashes opener.

Haddin, who is on the comeback trail from an elbow injury, has been a key member of Ricky Ponting's side since Adam Gilchrist retired nearly two years ago.

However, the emergence of Tasmanian youngster Tim Paine, who has filled in admirably for the injured New South Welshman averaging 35 with the bat in four Test appearances, has put the pressure squarely back on Haddin to perform.

The stakes were raised on Friday when revered former Test gloveman Rod Marsh suggested Haddin, who has not played international cricket since May, faces an uphill battle to unseat Paine for the Brisbane Test.

"Tim is a more correct or traditional type player, whereas Brad with the bat can be as explosive as anyone I've ever seen, he's a magnificent striker of the ball and I think anyone would like to have Brad in the team," Marsh told an ICC podcast.

"However, Tim has done so well it is going to be hard for Brad to get back in."

But Haddin, who looked in good touch in Friday's Ryobi One-Day cup loss to Tasmania before he was run out for a well struck 56 from 62 deliveries, insists he's not fazed.

"In all honesty I haven't worried about everyone else, I can only worry that I'm available to play," Haddin said.

"I've spent that long out of game and played with this (elbow) for so long beforehand, nobody has crossed my thought process."

"Everyone will have an opinion and it will never change until the day we die."

"I'm not one of those people who sits awake at night hoping someone will nick it or someone doesn't get runs."

"I spent all career behind Gilly, so in all honesty those things haven't crossed my thoughts.''

Meanwhile, Haddin, who turns 33 on Saturday, say he's pleased with his progress four games in to his comeback from a lengthy layoff.

"I think things starting to go in right direction, getting into the rhythm of playing cricket again," he said.

"The elbow feels good."

Haddin is likely to continue finetuning his game in next month's Sheffield Shield clashes against Queensland and Victoria ahead of the first Ashes Test starting on November 25.

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