Happy Ponting says Haddin can open 'as long as he likes'

Sydney, Feb.9 (ANI): Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting has said that wicketkeeper-batsman Brad Haddin can open the batting for "as long as he likes" after scoring his maiden one-day international century to set up Australia's victory against New Zealand at the SCG on Sunday night.

The victory, just Australia's second win in eight one-day matches this summer, and their first in three against New Zealand, keeps alive the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy series with matches to come in Adelaide on Tuesday and Brisbane on Friday.

New Zealand were dismissed for 269 with 15 balls to spare chasing Australia's imposing 9-301. Australia had not previously bowled a side out in a one-day game this season.

"Obviously if he keeps doing that he can bat there as long as he likes," news.com.au quoted Ponting, as saying following Haddin's man-of-the-match 109 from 114 balls.

"That was exactly what we were after."

Promoted to the top of the order in place of David Warner, who was dropped, Haddin made the most of the opportunity by blazing 109 in just 114 balls with eight fours and three sixes.

"It's always enjoyable to get a hundred but it was pretty special today to have your family there after driving up from Queanbeyan," Haddin said.

"It was great just to go out and play with a little bit of freedom at the top of order and things went our way. Hopefully we can keep that momentum going into Adelaide," he added. (ANI)