Sydney, Feb 21 : Australian wicketkeeper-batsman Brad Haddin on Saturday said he had waited for 10 years to play for the country, and now the time has come to show some cricketing skills on the international level.

"I had waited ten years to play for Australia, and now time has come to do something on international level," Haddin said.

The Sydney Morning Herald quoted Haddin, who had broken his finger just before his Test debut, as saying that Test cricket is about playing more than cricket and it also tests the fitness of player as well.

The wicketkeeper said no one cares if some one is busted, everyone is judged by performance.

"The bone was broken in about six places, it just crumbled. But once you step across that line and get on the field, you have to perform. No one cares if you are busted, you will be judged by your performance," Haddin said.

His first appearance in a baggy green cap was the series opener against West Indies last year. Haddin finished the match.

Next Test, the finger became infected when a gung-ho local doctor removed the nail. Haddin finished that Test, too, and then he completed the final match of the series.

Haddin said the series very uncomfortable and very tough.

"I knew going into Test cricket that there would be tough days. I did not expect it to be the first day, but I just had to suck it up. Every time I took the ball, I could feel it. You do not deserve to play, if you can not do it with a bit of pain," he said.

Haddin is one of Ricky Ponting's most reliable players going into the three-Test series against South Africa next week. He is one of the most levelheaded and mature players.

The New South Wales cricketer said that his career-affirming 169 against New Zealand was the result of hard work.

"I had worked so hard to get there, but I am a bit hesitant to call anything a best moment. You can list your hundreds and everything else, but the best might be coming up. It does not matter how many Tests you play, how many wins you have and how many hundreds you make, the exciting part is knowing the biggest highlight could be just around the corner," he said.

Haddin started playing at the age of 20 for NSW and from then he has been trying to get into the Australian team.

He replaced Adam Gilchrist when he was 30.

"If Gilchrist had decided to play three more years, I probably would missed out altogether. I have got this incredible opportunity to play for my country, and I want to keep taking it," He said.

The wicketkeeper said he loved the pressure and the importance of playing for the country.

"I like the pressure and the importance of every ball. Every little mistake you make, everything you say, people just pounce on it. Every little move gets analysed. If you are going well, you are praised. If you are not, people are into you. I love it. You get what you deserve. It is not in my nature to cut corners. When I was picked for that first Test, the challenge was what I wanted most of all," he said. (ANI)