Haddin returns to roots for BBL|05 prep

Former Australia wicketkeeper Brad Haddin will return to his roots next week when he turns out for the ACT Comets in their opening round match of the Toyota Futures League.

Haddin, who retired from Test cricket following Australia's Ashes defeat this winter, hasn't played for the Comets since 1998-99 when the nation's capital was involved in the 50-over domestic competition, then known as the Mercantile Mutual Cup.

The 38-year-old will use the four-day fixture against South Australia starting Monday as preparation for the fifth season of the KFC Big Bash League where he will once again play for inaugural champions Sydney Sixers.

The Sixers first ever signing, Haddin played for the magenta men in BBL|01 and BBL|02 and captained the SCG-based club to the 2012 Champions League T20 title in South Africa. 

WATCH: Haddin half-century wins Sydney Smash for Sixers

While it is unknown whether Haddin will keep wickets for the Sixers this summer with Ryan Carters also in the squad, it has been confirmed the veteran will not don the gloves for the Comets, with Northern Districts teammate Andrew Harriot keeping his regular position behind the stumps.

Haddin will be joined at the Comets by BBL rival Aiden Blizzard of the Sydney Thunder, who will captain the side, which also features Adelaide Strikers hard-hitter Jono Dean.

While they might be friends on Monday, Haddin and Blizzard will be foes on Decemeber 17 when the Sixers and Thunder square off in the Sydney Smash to launch BBL|05 from Spotless Stadium in Sydney's west.

The Sixers will be looking to go one step further this season after finishing agonisingly close in last year's thrilling final against the Perth Scorchers in Canberra.

In 28 limited-overs games for the Comets, Haddin scored 914 runs at an average of 35.56.

Haddin finished his Test career as the fourth most prolific Australian wicketkeeper with 270 dismissals to sit behind legends Rod Marsh, Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.