Former Australian Test wicketkeeper Brad Haddin has been appointed the new head coach of the New South Wales (NSW) men's cricket team. The 48-year-old takes over from Greg Shipperd, whose contract was terminated a year early. Haddin will officially begin his role in June, marking his return to the state setup after his last match for the Blues in November 2014.His appointment was announced on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, following the Blues' 2025-26 season.[cricket+4]
Haddin Aims to Revitalize NSW Cricket
Haddin's primary goal is to restore a winning "aura" to NSW cricket and develop a distinctive playing style.The Blues recently concluded their Sheffield Shield campaign, finishing fifth and failing to reach a final for the fifth consecutive year.Despite this, NSW secured the One-Day Cup title in the past week.Haddin expressed his pride in returning to the team. "NSW cricket has been an integral part of my life and to rejoin the fold as Blues head coach is a proud moment for myself and my family," Haddin said in a statement.He added that wearing the "baggy blue" was incredibly special and brought him some of his career's greatest memories.[cricketworld+13]
Cricket NSW Chief Executive Lee Germon welcomed Haddin, highlighting his extensive experience. "Brad is a highly regarded coach with experience at international and franchise level, plus a deep understanding of the NSW way of playing," Germon stated.Germon further noted Haddin's strong connections to country NSW and Premier Cricket.He praised Haddin's leadership as a player, describing him as a revered teammate and formidable opponent who always took the game on.These traits have continued into his coaching career, Germon said.[cricket+10]
Extensive Coaching and Playing Background
Haddin brings a wealth of coaching experience to the NSW role. He previously served as an assistant and fielding coach for the Australian men's team under former head coaches Darren Lehmann and Justin Langer.He also held assistant coaching positions with Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises Sunrisers Hyderabad and Punjab Kings, working alongside Trevor Bayliss.Haddin is currently an assistant coach with the Ricky Ponting-coached Punjab Kings.[cricket+7]
As a player, Haddin had a decorated career. He represented Australia in 66 Tests, 126 One-Day Internationals, and 34 T20 Internationals before retiring in 2015.With NSW, he was part of three Sheffield Shield-winning teams and four One-Day Cup championship squads.Haddin was awarded Cricket NSW life membership in 2024.He holds the record for most dismissals for the Blues across all three formats, with 486.He also ranks second behind Moises Henriques for one-day matches played (88) and runs scored (2724) for NSW.[cricketworld+9]
Focus on Developing Test Talent
One of Haddin's key objectives is to improve the pipeline of NSW players progressing to the Australian Test team.NSW has produced only two men's Test debutants in the last decade, marking the state's leanest run outside of world war periods.Haddin is determined to change this trend. "I'm under no illusions that I've got to start to produce some Australian players," Haddin said.He emphasized the need for the next generation of NSW players to step up as Test retirements occur in the coming years.[cricket+3]
Haddin's appointment comes amidst other changes within Cricket NSW. Assistant coaches Ali de Winter and Shawn Bradstreet were informed on the final day of the Sheffield Shield season that their services would no longer be required.Haddin is expected to bring in a new team of assistant coaches, with Daniel Smith and Peter Forrest reportedly joining the staff.[cricket+4]
Separate BBL Coaching Roles
Cricket NSW confirmed that Haddin's new role will not include coaching either the Sydney Sixers or Sydney Thunder Big Bash League (BBL) teams.Both BBL clubs will appoint their own new men's coaches in the coming months.Greg Shipperd was also sacked from his position as coach of the Sydney Sixers in January, while Trevor Bayliss departed the Sydney Thunder after the team finished last in BBL|15.This decision ensures separate coaching structures for state and BBL commitments.[cricket+7]
Haddin previously withdrew from the NSW coaching race in 2018 when Phil Jaques was appointed.Now, at 48 years old, he returns to lead the state team he played for with distinction for 12 years.He plans to work with the current crop of talented players to ensure the team plays with a formidable and distinctive style.[cricket+4]
