"Matt The Bat" Walks Into Sunset

Australian opener Matthew Lawrence Hayden has announced his retirement from International cricket. The 37 year old opener has been weighed down by the lack of runs in this year's home summer. His announcement follows his axing from the one day and twenty/20 squads. His departure leaves yet another gaping hole in the Aussie ranks.

Known for his brute strength and fearsome stroke play, Hayden dominated the bowling attacks around the world. He currently holds the record for the highest score by an Australia in both tests and one day internationals. He briefly the record for the highest ever individual score in test match cricket when he smashed 380 runs against the Zimbabweans at WACA. This record though was subsequently reclaimed by Brian Lara. His highest score in one day internationals is an unbeaten 181 which he scored against the Kiwis just before the 2007 world cup, thus securing his place for the world cup. His performance in the world cup was also exemplary and was instrumental in Australia winning the third successive world cup.

He was a late bloomer and his test career was patchy at the start but after the test series against India in 2001, his stocks skyrocketed. He was again battling for his place during the 2005 Ashes series, but was ultimately saved by his century in the last test. He was again imposing during the 2007 home summer, and was sorely missed in the Perth test against India which the Aussies lost. He sustained Achilles tendon injury just after the IPL, ( he played for the Chennai Super Kings) and was forced to miss the tour to the Caribbean. His powers waned thereafter and he was never the same force again. He has scored 30 centuries in tests and 10 tons in one day internationals.

He formed one of the best opening acts in test cricket along with Justin Langer, and in one day internationals he was partnered by Adam Gilchrist. Apart from his fearsome batting, Hayden is well known as an outstanding fielder at slip cordon. His departure will result in further depletion of experienced resources in the team. It will be impossible to find an immediate replacement for this battle hardened veteran, but Australia still have a few choices in the opening department with Phil Jacques, Chris Rogers and young Phil Hughes waiting in the wings. Cricket as a whole will be poorer for the departure of "Matt The Bat", one of the true legends of the game. Farewell Matt, you were one of the best. Thanks for the memories.

The video shows highlights of Hayden's 181 not out against Kiwis.