Adam Bailey
DeanoHarmoHayden Still a Favourite
December 20th 2008 12:21
Category: Australia vs South Africa
Whispers surrounding Hayden's retirement are circling.
Matthew Hayden is in a rough patch at the moment but everyone is still hoping the big unit can muster some runs in this South African series to ensure his ticket to a farewell Ashes tour.
Queensland’s favourite son has been a run scoring machine throughout his career and his ability to demolish an opposing attack cannot disappear overnight.
Hayden, who enjoys being called 'The Unit' has almost 9000 Test runs and his quality slip fielding was no more evident than in the recent tour of India.
In most situations the media play a major role in pushing players out of selection.
Maybe Hayden's most astonishing compliment is that all news headlines are hoping that he is able to leave a form slump behind him and score runs in the upcoming Boxing Day Test.
The quickness to jump on Test umpire Aleem Dar regarding Hayden's woeful decision yesterday was evidence of this as we all try and forget that Haydos is averaging just 9.6 runs this summer.
Former Australian opener and best friend of Hayden, Justin Langer, believes that the Queenslander's mental toughness has been the reason for his success and will be key in his return to form.
The two walked to the crease 113 times together providing an average opening partnership of 51.88, hitting 5655 runs collectively.
As retirement whispers filter through, all Australian's hope that Hayden is able to find the middle of the bat and a correct umpire's decision in the near future.
Runs or not, it is clear where he sits in the public eye. Not only will he go down as one of the best and most intimidating opening batsman ever, but as one of Australia's cricketing good guys.
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Comment by Shan Jayaweera
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I don't think that Haydos is in the same league as Steve Waugh as a batsman or as a figure of adoration for the Australian public. He's a big bully who turns into a sook. Time to get Sean Marsh into to the team - he's another 10 year player (and much better than his old man)
Comment by Adam Bailey
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Sean Marsh.....Phil Hughes will play more Test cricket!