Returning to his roots has been a pleasant experience for the dual batsmen and wicket keeper, who has had the chance to reacquaint himself with both the Comets and his youth in Queanbeyan.

“I had a blessed childhood in Queanbeyan. I had two younger brothers so we spent a lot of time in the nets and kicking the balls around the park. It was great to grow up here, we were a very sporty family so the opportunities we had there and here in Canberra were first class,” Haddin said.

“It’s good to get back. I think now in retirement, I’ll be able to get back a bit more. So it has been good to be home again.”

Returning to the Comets for the first time in 15 years and to the crease for the first time since the failed ashes campaign earlier this year, proved a successful outing for the veteran who slogged an incredible 104 runs from a mere 100 balls.

But it was his role as mentor in the change room that has spoken volumes regarding the depth, and the future of Queanbeyan and ACT cricket.

“You only just have to walk in the changeroom and the guys in there are just looking for knowledge,” Haddin said.

“I had a first look at young Henry Hunt of Queanbeyan and he was outstanding in the field, he was quite an athlete which I was very impressed with. I’ve been looking at him in the nets and he looks to be a pretty accomplished batsmen.

“The best thing about not only Queanbeyan cricket, but the Canberra side here at the moment is that they’re all young and they want to learn so there is a lot of scope for improvement. The best thing about it is that they all want to challenge themselves to get better.”