Australia back in baggy greens

Cricket Australia faced harsh criticism from several former Test cricketers over the decision to wear the beer sponsor-emblazoned caps on day one at the Trelawny Multi-Purpose Stadium, with claims CA was putting commercial interests above tradition.

But it emerged that the decision to wear the baseball-style training caps was made by team management in Jamaica, and done so for practical reasons to primarily save wicketkeeper Brad Haddin from having to wear a wide-brimmed hat.

As a mark of respect for the cap`s tradition, Haddin, who will become Australia`s 400th Test player when he makes his debut against the West Indies on Thursday, did not want to wear his baggy green until he officially became a Test cricketer.

Uncapped players usually wear a white floppy hat during practice games on tour.

But as that was not a desirable option for Haddin - who as wicketkeeper has rarely worn a wide-brimmed hat and is preparing for his Test debut - team management decided all players would instead wear the training caps for the purpose of uniformity.

Given the controversy, however, the team switched back to baggy greens while fielding late on day two in Jamaica`s second innings, with Haddin wearing a white hat.

CA will now likely look at introducing an alternative team cap for tour matches should a similar situation arise in the future.