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I am still strong and fit:  Matthew Hayden
4 April 2009, 12:00 am

                 

I am still strong and fit:  Matthew Hayden

Special Correspondent

— Photo: K. Pichumani



SWEATING IT OUT: Matthew Hayden may have retired from international cricket but his passion for the game remains, as evidenced by his practise session for the Chennai Super Kings on Friday.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

Chennai: Matthew Hayden moved swiftly to hold skiers hit in the area around him by trainer Gregory King. The Australian opener might have retired from international cricket but his commitment gleamed.

“Life (after retirement) has been good,” said Hayden with a smile. The Australian opening great added, “I am still strong and fit. I believe there is some more cricket left in me.”

Hayden practiced with Chennai Super Kings at the MAC ground here on Friday. He is looking forward to the Indian Premier League to be held in South Africa from April 18.

Only regret

“My only regret is that the IPL will not be held in India this year. I hugely enjoyed my love affair with Indian crowd and Indian cricket,” said Hayden.

He remembered the time in Chennai when he journeyed to India with the Australian Academy team for lessons on playing spin in the sub-continental conditions.

While his achievements in Test cricket — 103 Tests, 8625 runs, ave. 50.73, 30 hundreds — and the ODIs — 161 matches, 6133 runs, 43.80, 10 centuries — are outstanding, Hayden is focussed on Twenty20 cricket these days.

“India’s win in the Twenty20 World Cup and the interest it generated revolutionised this form of the game. Twenty20 is now a genuine third form of the game and a strong part of the global cricketing calendar.

“I enjoy the format. It is energetic, fast, and the atmosphere is great. Twenty20 could change the way the game is being played,” said Hayden.

While Hayden admits the conditions in South Africa could favour pacemen, he maintains the pitches there could be good for batting.

“Grounds in Johannesburg and Pretoria, they are high-scoring ones. You have small but fast outfields and the ball will travel. The altitude in places like Johannesburg is also a factor. If you play the big shots, the ball carries further.”



Source: The Hindu - Sport