13 January, 2009

Matthew Hayden Australian opener Matthew Hayden has this morning announced his retirement from international cricket.

Awarded the 359th Baggy Green Cap for Australia, he played 103 Tests scoring 8625 runs at an average of 50.73, after making his Test debut back in March 1994, coincidentally also against South Africa.

He made his one-day international debut a year earlier against England in May 1993 and went on to play 161 one-day internationals scoring 6133 runs at an average of 43.80.

The 188cm and 95kg left-hander has since been a thorn in the side of most pace bowling attacks with his powerful hitting intimidating bowlers around the world.

After joining Justin Langer at the top of the order in 2001, the pair became arguably Australia’s best ever opening combination that regularly dismantled the world’s best bowling attacks.


The Queenslander has also racked up a host of personal awards to go with his team achievements such as the 2002 Allan Border Medal and Test Player of the Year, 2003 Wisden Cricketer of the Year, ICC ODI Player of the Year in 2007.

Just last year Hayden was named Australian ODI Player of the Year at the Allan Border Medal following a fantastic year that saw him dictate Australia’s path to a third consecutive ICC Cricket World Cup with 659 runs at 73.22. This included a 66-ball century against South Africa which is the fastest century in World Cup history, earning him the Key to St Kitts.

Matthew Hayden quick stats:

Tests
Debut: 4 March 1994 against South Africa at Johannesburg
Test Cap 359
103 Tests
8625 runs at 50.73, HS of 380 against Zimbabwe

ODI
Debut: 19 March 1993 against England at Manchester
ODI Cap 111
161 matches
6133 runs at 43.80, HS of 181* against New Zealand