Steve Smith has given Brad Haddin a ringing endorsement, saying the veteran wicketkeeper is not under any pressure at all to hold his position in the Test side.

One of the main players in Australia's 5-0 annihilation of England last summer, Haddin has endured a lean run with the bat though his form behind the stumps remains first class.

After playing a string of vital counter-punching innings 12 months ago, the runs have suddenly dried up for Haddin, who has managed 91 runs in his past 12 Test innings at an average of 9.1.

Such numbers are alarming for any player, let alone a 37-year-old, but selectors will not be judging him solely on his performance with the bat.

Haddin's glovework is arguably as good as it has been throughout his career, which is a sign his reflexes remain sharp. In the first innings he claimed a record six dismissals, equal with Wally Grout, Ian Healy and Rod Marsh.

He held on to some sharp chances in Adelaide, most notably a low catch off Nathan Lyon to dismiss Cheteshwar Pujara, while his stumping to finish the game was also crisp.

Haddin has ambitions to push on until next year's Ashes in England and has previously stated he will continue playing so long as his desire to improve remains.

Smith does not believe Haddin is under any pressure at all, confident a drought-breaking innings with the bat is imminent.

"I think his spot is completely safe. He's a quality performer and he's gloving the ball unbelievably at the moment," Smith said. "I'm sure the runs that he's after are just around the corner."

Haddin was under similar pressure the last time India toured three seasons ago but remained the first-choice stumper until being forced to leave the Caribbean early to be with his sick daughter Mia.

But with Michael Clarke injured and uncertainty over fellow veterans Chris Rogers and Shane Watson, selectors will be wary of making a call on Haddin at a time when the team needs his steadying presence.

There is also no clear replacement waiting in the wings, though Matthew Wade kept well filling in for Haddin in the one-day series against South Africa.

NSW's Peter Nevill and Queensland's Chris Hartley also have claims while Western Australia's Sam Whiteman appears the best of the youngsters.

Tasmania's Tim Paine has slipped down the pecking order after losing his place in his state side for the final round of Shield games before the break for the Big Bash League.