Brad Haddin never doubted his ability to return to the top level despite spending a year out of the Australian Test team – but he did wonder if he’d keep playing.

Haddin’s recall at age 35 as deputy to captain Michael Clarke and starting wicketkeeper for the Ashes tour of England caps a remarkable comeback for the tough and resilient gloveman.

Pundits doubted he’d ever reclaim his spot after returning home from the tour of the West Indies early last year when his young daughter fell seriously ill and the doubts remained even when he resumed playing.

Matthew Wade, 10 years younger than Haddin, played the next 12 Tests until his sprained ankle opened the door for Haddin to play the final Test of the recent series in India.

National selector John Inverarity made it clear on Wednesday that Haddin was now the first-choice keeper in an Ashes squad that also contains Wade, who struggled for form in India.

“I’ve never doubted my ability to get back to the top level,” Haddin said.

“The only thing that was in my mind is whether I’d ever come back to play cricket, whether the (family) circumstances would allow that.

“I knew if I got the opportunity to come back and play any form of cricket, I was going to do it properly.”

Haddin said he had no reservations about resuming the vice-captaincy.

“It’s something that obviously I’m proud to have,” he said. “But your role doesn’t really change.”

Former Australian Ashes-winning captain Steve Waugh said the Clarke-Haddin combination would give Australia a lot of confidence.

“I think England will see Australia and see a strong captain/vice-captain relationship and that will send out a good message from Australia’s point of view,” Waugh said.

England have every right to respect Haddin’s selection given his strong record against them, which Inverarity also considered.

A veteran of 44 Tests, Haddin averages 45 in his nine Tests against England, 10 runs above his career mark and he averaged 46 on the last tour there – something Wade accepted weighed heavily in his (Haddin’s) favour.

“He’s obviously got experience over there and he’s played really well over there and I haven’t had any Test experience over in England,” Wade said.

“The experience of going over there, I think that’s probably one of the big reasons that selectors have gone with Hadds.”

Wade said he would do everything in his power to work his way back into the national team.

“If I perform really well in the one-day stuff, then hopefully in some trial games, maybe I can put my name up there for a chance to get a batting spot,” he said.