Ricky Ponting
The Australian cricket captain, Ricky Ponting is of the opinion that although Matthew Hayden had retired he must be contemplating regarding the cricket team ahead of himself. Ponting remarked that the team would miss him to a large extent due to his run scoring and all that he has been for the team. He has been very diligent and an authentic bloke and a great example for the younger players.
Justin Langer
Matthew Hayden and Justin Langer formed one of the most successful opening partnerships in Test cricket. Langer commented that now a wonderful and single minded commitment to Australian cricket was over. Langer recalls that about two years back when Australia toured South Africa, Hayden recorded an enthralling hundred at Durban. After returning to the hotel, he took his surfboard and rode the waves for an hour. Then, he knocked the door of Langer’s room and communicated that it was one of the best days of his life. He said “All we need now mate is a big feed and a good sleep and life just couldn’t get any better than this.”
Mike Coward
Mike Coward has expressed the opinion that a personal style is developed by all opening batsmen. Similarly, Hayden too created his own style. Bowlers from all over the world were intimidated by this style and they respected him for it. Hayden had a broad shoulder and robust personality. He appeared a potent structure at the crease. The obligation of the opening batsman is to remove the shine of the new ball as well as establish the ground for the number three and four batsmen who come in more manageable conditions. Hayden believed that it was his responsibility to call the shots and decide the speed and tone of the innings.
Peter Roebuck
Peter Roebuck is of the opinion that Hayden’s career began and ended while searching for the game. During the end of his career, Hayden became rather nervous to prove himself. While playing in India, he struck a lofted straight drive to break his duck. He repeated this risk on home soil. Both these approaches reveal intent to communicate confidence as well as despair and wavering desire. However, he could play better than he thought he could. During his prominent days, he had an authority and tremendous certainty in his batting.
Martin Blake
Martin Blake’s dearest memory regarding Hayden was the innings of 119 he made in the UAE against Pakistan. The temperature was more than 40 degrees Celsius and the wicket was slow and barren. Due to these conditions shot making was a tough task. The Pakistani cricketers drooped quickly. However, Hayden was very determined and remained at the crease for 431 minutes. He stopped regularly for drinks, wore a toweling wrap below his helmet and coaxed everything from his paining body. This exemplary innings demonstrate how to find the way.
Gary
Gary, Matthew’s brother, says that Matthew’s career is a story of setbacks and his method of overcoming them.