As if playing international cricket isn't hard enough, Haddin found himself with one of the toughest jobs in sport: replacing Adam Gilchrist.

Comparisons to his legendary predecessor behind the stumps were always going to be made considering the similarities between the pair.

Like Gilchrist, Haddin is a competent gloveman better known for his skills with the bat - whether it be at number seven in the Test team or further up the order in limited overs cricket.

While clearly not in Gilly's class, Haddin has generally impressed since making his Test debut against West Indies in 2008. His batting average has hovered around 40 - perfectly acceptable for anyone who isn't a one-off genius like Gilchrist - with a couple of centuries to his name, while he has raced past 100 dismissals in just 27 Tests to date.

But Haddin now faces a different battle.

Persistent elbow trouble has kept him out of the Australia side since May, and in his absence Tim Paine has taken his chance with impressive displays in both one-day and five-day arenas.

The indications are that Haddin - initially at least - has won the battle. He was selected ahead of Paine for the Twenty20 clash against Sri Lanka that kicked off Australia's season and his greater experience - including last summer's Ashes defeat in England - will be in his favour over the exciting but raw talents of Paine.

Haddin is a typical Australian cricketer, a fierce competitor and tough opponent whether wearing the gauntlets or wielding the bat.

Despite Australia's defeat, Haddin enjoyed a decent Ashes series last time round with 278 runs at 46 from his four games. He also kept tidily and picked up 15 catches.

He is confident his injury problems are behind him now and will be keen for another impressive series - although this time with a different result.