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Rediff.com  » Cricket » Ashes: No rift in Aussie dressing room, clarifies 'keeper Nevill

Ashes: No rift in Aussie dressing room, clarifies 'keeper Nevill

Last updated on: August 04, 2015 15:16 IST
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Australia players in the slip cordon

Australia's players in the slip cordon. Photograph: Carl Recine Livepic/Action Images via Reuters

Peter Nevill, who was retained as Australia's wicketkeeper ahead of first-choice Brad Haddin for the third Ashes Test, has brushed aside rumours of disharmony and discontent in the camp.

Dismissing any rift within the camp, he said the atmosphere has been great and insisted that everyone enjoys each others company, Sport24 reported.

Nevill performed brilliantly on his debut in the series-levelling Lord's Test victory after Haddin asked to be stood down to be with his sick daughter Mia.

Subsequently, on-tour selector Rodney Marsh and coach Darren Lehmann decided to retain Nevill as they cited lack-of-form as the reason behind Haddin's omission.

Peter Nevill and Brad Haddin of Australia train during a nets session

Australia's Peter Nevill and Brad Haddin train during a nets session. Photograph: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

However, several former Australian players, notably Matthew Hayden, slammed the 'outrageous' decision to sideline the veteran wicketkeeper.

In addition, players were reportedly unhappy with the decision.

Describing his selection struggle with Haddin as a 'complex situation', Nevill said his focus is completely on the task he has been entrusted with.

"It's obviously a complex situation, but all I can really focus on is I've been selected to do that job and I had to do it as best as I could," Nevill told travelling Australian media in Birmingham before the squad headed across the Midlands for the fourth Test at Nottingham's Trent Bridge ground starting on Thursday.

Nevill, who scored a crucial 59 at Edgbaston to give Australia a slender lead in the eight-wicket defeat to England, maintained that although the loss was hurtful, the focus is on bouncing back and winning the next Test at Trent Bridge.

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