Matthew Hayden has labelled Brad Haddin’s axing from the Australian cricket team as “outrageous”, given the wicketkeeper’s trying personal circumstances that led to him standing down for the second Ashes Test.

The Australian vice-captain asked to be stood down for the Lord’s Test because of his sick daughter and was replaced by Peter Nevill.

Nevill made a solid debut snaring seven catches and scoring 45, which prompted selectors to keep faith with him.

But Hayden has questioned the precedent set by selectors.

“Any mum and dad who has experienced the issues Brad and his wife Karina are going through will understand there’s no way he was in a position to play cricket at Lord’s,” Hayden wrote in his column for Newscorp.

“It doesn’t say much for the family-first policy if Brad puts his family first and all of a sudden he’s out. Sometimes the heart has to play a part in selection.”

Former captain Ricky Ponting was also critical of Haddin’s axing.

“I am disappointed with the decision to leave Brad Haddin out of the Test team for Edgbaston. All reports suggest he would have played at Lord’s but he made the only and right decision to be with his daughter Mia who was very ill in hospital and missed that match,” Ponting wrote in his column for the Australian.

“I know it would have been a hard call for him, he has been a single-minded and determined servant of Australian cricket, but he rightfully put his family first and has paid the price for it.

“I know he won’t complain about being dropped. He is a tough character but it doesn’t sit right with me.

“Hadds has been the heart and soul of the team since taking over from Adam Gilchrist. He is a good gloveman, can be an important batsman and he keeps the team on its toes in the field.”