Hayden eyes continued Aussie run

Twenty20 / Editor / 28 June 2007 / Leave a Comment

Matthew Hayden has dismissed talk of retirement and looks set to play a big part in Australia's Twenty20 World Cup campaign.

The 35-year-old has enjoyed a fantastic 2007, helping his country regain the Ashes before then playing a key role in Australia's World Cup victory in the Caribbean, scoring 659 runs during the tournament.

Despite reaching the veteran stage of his career, Hayden is looking forward to a busy 18 months with Australia. The world champions have 27 Tests, 50 one-day internationals and 12 Twenty20 matches during that period of time.
Hayden told the Herald Sun: "It's as big a year as anyone has ever had in cricket.

"I am in such a privileged position at the moment. I not only feel at the top of my game but I also love it and I am in a great position to be a role model into the future."

He added: "I want to instil into the next generation of players how much an older player loves the game. I want to instil a culture that will hopefully benefit and leave a legacy for the players."

Hayden is likely to feature at the top of the order in Australia's Twenty20 World Cup campaign - with the tournament due to start in South Africa in September.

Australia are the 3.15 favourites to add the Twenty20 title to the 50-over success and their ranking as the world's top Test team. Home side South Africa are next best at 5.4, while World Cup runners-up Sri Lanka can be backed at 7.8.