Nottinghamshire opener Michael Lumb has praised Brad Haddin’s calming influence ahead of the start of the Big Bash League in Australia.
Lumb has been granted leave from Nottinghamshire’s winter training to feature in the tournament and will be captained by Haddin whenever his international commitments allow.
"He always plays tough cricket on the field, which is the way I like it." Michael Lumb
Haddin has been one of England’s chief tormentors in a fruitless Ashes series that seems certain to be concluded with the urn in Australian hands.
''Brad brings a calmness to the group,” said Lumb, who hit a rapid fifty in his firt warm-up game in Sydney.
“He's very driven and passionate, he leads the group in that way and sets a good example. He leads from the front in all aspects - off the field and on the field.
''Brad's a good role model and good for the young guys to look up to. I can learn a lot from him. He always plays tough cricket on the field, which is the way I like it. He plays it hard but he knows how to have a good time off the field as well.
''He keeps it relaxed and level-headed with his approach. It's only a game at the end of the day, but he gives it his wholeheartedness. I'm sure the Australian team and selectors will want someone like that in their ranks.''
Lumb is one of a handful of overseas players to have been granted a multi-year deal with an Australian franchise and was happy to commit to the Sixers. He will continue to feature for Nottinghamshire across all three formats having opted not to pursue a new deal in the Indian Premier League.
''A two-year deal was put forward to me and I love coming back to Sydney,'' said Lumb.
''It's a fantastic place and I love being here. They're a good bunch of boys, we've had some success as well just to make it easier.''
The Sixers’ campaign will begin with an all-Sydney derby against the Thunder on Saturday.