5 underrated performances in Ashes history

#2 Brad Haddin (1st Test, 2013) – 94 & 53

Brad Haddin was one of the vital cogs of the Australian team during the 2013/14 Ashes

Australia had gone without winning the Ashes for about seven years (they had lost three consecutive series) when the 2013/14 series started down under. The first Test started in a disappointing fashion for the hosts as they slipped to 132/6 midway through the first day.

They needed to get to a competitive score on what looked like a good pitch to bat on. Brad Haddin was at the crease with the hard-hitting Mitchell Johnson. The wicket-keeper batsman’s form was scratchy in the lead up to the Test.

However, Haddin took the attack to England. He scored a brilliant counter-attacking 94 and stitched together a game-changing partnership with Mitchell Johnson. The duo's efforts led Australia to a competitive total of 295.

Johnson and Harris blew away England’s batting line-up for just 136. With a big lead in the second innings, Haddin scored a quick-fire 53 to help Australia declare with a lead of 561.

Johnson’s 9 wickets in the match to go along with a well-made 64 earned him the Player of the Match award. But, Haddin’s performance helped Australia get out of early trouble and set the tone for the series.