fineleg Posted January 13, 2009 Posted January 13, 2009 who after hayden? Who after Hayden? A look at the players in the reckoning to fill the impending vacancy at the top of Australia's order Peter English January 12, 2009 Matthew Hayden will not be the only opening batsman desperate for the first week of February and the naming of the Test squad for South Africa. Until recently Hayden had the complete faith of the selectors, who wanted him to stay on for the Ashes, but their stance shifted slightly after the Sydney Test. Hayden's second-innings 39 was his top score of the home summer and the likelihood of his career ending on 103 Tests increased when he was cut from the Twenty20 and one-day sides. So who will partner Simon Katich in South Africa? A look at the contenders. Back in the frame: Jaques has returned after surgery, and if fit, will be up there in the reckoning © Getty Images Phil Jaques Age 29, Tests 11 First-class hundreds 35 First-class runs in 2008-09 0 Why should he replace Hayden? A first-choice player until the India series, when he succumbed to a long-term back injury, Jaques has a hundred in his most recent Test. In nine matches since replacing Justin Langer he has 806 runs at 50.37, but the most exciting thing for him is what happens next. After having surgery he can drive through cover without feeling pain. A solid, sensible and reliable replacement who is young enough for a long career. Why not? He hasn't played since he left the India tour with a bulging disc, and his first opportunity to erase the doubts over form and fitness will not come until a Sheffield Shield game for New South Wales on January 30, a week before the South Africa squad is released. With other contenders lining up, Jaques has been forgotten by those looking solely at the run lists. Hayden-esque quality Passionate about opening for Australia and knows the team culture. Chances Will be first-choice if fit. Phillip Hughes Age 20, Tests 0 First-class hundreds 4 First-class runs in 2008-09 730 @ 56.15 Why should he replace Hayden? By picking Hughes the selectors could change the entire outlook of the side. Seventeen years younger than Hayden, Hughes, an attractive left-hander, would make the team fresh, exciting and one for the future. In his second season with New South Wales, he didn't suffer the expected slump and his double of 93 and 108 in a Sheffield Shield game against Tasmania represented 58% of the team total. Why not? A conservative panel will see his age instead of potential. While the selectors recognise Hughes' supreme talent, they might be uneasy at relying on someone so raw in A-list series against South Africa and England, especially with more qualified options available. Hayden-esque quality Able to sway the local faithful. In New South Wales this summer he is more popular than ice cream. Chances More likely for the Ashes tour. Chris Rogers Age 31, Tests 1 First-class hundreds 31 First-class runs in 2008-09 661 @ 82.62 Rogers: an old-style opener who can do the job on all kinds of pitches © Getty Images Why should he replace Hayden? He did last time, scoring 4 and 15 against India in Perth. Since then he has swapped states from Western Australia to Victoria and continued with the heavy contributions that earned him a national contract in 2007. An old-style opener, he builds rather than demolishes, and boasts runs on all types of surfaces. Why not? He was forgotten as soon as he arrived in the Test team, losing his contract four months after his debut, mainly because the selectors were sure Hayden would make it to the Ashes. Can't shake whispers he is not as committed off the field, with his exit from Western Australia used as an example. Might be one of those players who is just plain unlucky. Hayden-esque quality Likes big runs and tough runs. Chances Will go if Jaques doesn't. Shaun Marsh Age 25, Tests 0 First-class hundreds 4 First-class runs in 2008-09 167 @ 23.85 Why should he replace Hayden? Marsh covered for Jaques when he was injured in India, an appointment more for getting him experience around the team than because he was next in line. An explosive batsman in the limited-overs games, he could jump into the Test arena via his performances in coloured clothes. In eight ODIs against West Indies and Bangladesh he has been assured, but life will probably be different against South Africa or England. Why not? Like Michael Klinger, he has spent most of his time in first-class games not doing much of significance. During eight seasons with Western Australia he has only four Sheffield Shield centuries and an average of 34.01. His best score since coming back from India is an unbeaten 74, and he struggled for impact in four domestic games of his preferred Twenty20. At 25, he has time, and the selectors, on his side. Hayden-esque quality Not afraid to thrash the new ball. Chances Not as good as three months ago. Michael Klinger Age 28, Tests 0 First-class hundreds 6 First-class runs in 2008-09 906 @ 90.60 Why should he replace Hayden? After moving to South Australia in the off-season, he has dominated the competition like Hayden once did. Four hundreds have come in six Sheffield Shield games, including 255 against Western Australia, and he has another 366 runs in the FR Cup. Klinger is in incredible form but seems embarrassed when pushed on his chances of national selection. Why not? He spent too much time - almost 10 years - as a fringe state player at Victoria and needs to prove himself for more than a season at his new home. While he opens in the one-day team, he enters at No. 3 in the Sheffield Shield, which makes him a riskier proposition when compared to the specialists. Hayden-esque quality Not giving up when ignored by the selectors. Hodge represents experience, but picking him may also seem a backward step © Gett Images Chances Highly unlikely. Brad Hodge Age 34, Tests 6 First-class hundreds 49 First-class runs in 2008-09 245 @ 35.00 Why should he replace Hayden? If Australia want an experienced batsman for such crucial encounters, then Hodge will come into contention. The last time the Test team went to South Africa the selectors pushed for Damien Martyn - Hodge was the one cut - for his cool head and consistent output. Three years later Hodge might be the fortunate one. Why not? Hodge represents a look back rather than a step forward, and like Klinger he is a No. 3. Despite an early hundred, his first-class season has been quiet, although he has been much more successful in the limited-overs formats. He substituted in the West Indies with 67 and 27 in Jamaica, but needs a few breaks to add a seventh Test. Hayden-esque quality Unbending confidence in his ability. Chances The outsider. Could go as a squad batsman and get lucky. Matthew Hayden Age 37, Tests 103 First-class hundreds 79 First-class runs in 2008-09 149 @ 16.55 Why should he stay? None of the people Hayden respects the most - his team-mates, family or the selectors - have told him to go. In form, he is the most frightening batsman in the game, and his record will be one future openers try to match. Has a lot to pass on to those coming into the team, if the important judges don't think he's past it. Why not? Watching Hayden since he returned from a heel injury in India has been a form of torture. He is older, slower and less certain than a year ago, and has been an easy wicket rather than an intimidator. A highest score of 39 in five Tests sums up his campaign, but it's unlikely he'll surrender his spot. Hayden-esque quality Expects everything to return to normal with one good innings. Chances Shouldn't go, but probably will.
Guest Hiten. Posted January 13, 2009 Posted January 13, 2009 Come on lets keep all the negativity out of this thread. Haydos single-handedly caused problems for India in Aussie's 2001 tour. thank you haydos.ta ta
EnterTheVoid Posted January 13, 2009 Posted January 13, 2009 of all the hard times haydos gave india, he will still be remembered as a legend
The Outsider Posted January 13, 2009 Posted January 13, 2009 Legend? All time Great? How many legends has the game seen till date? How many all time greats has the game seen till date?
EnterTheVoid Posted January 13, 2009 Posted January 13, 2009 ^^ the guy has achieved practically, everything there is to achieve
Guest Hiten. Posted January 13, 2009 Posted January 13, 2009 Legend? All time Great? How many legends has the game seen till date? How many all time greats has the game seen till date? Arey shwetabh mia, ek meetha sa ta ta bol do. Let's keep these discussions for some other day, some other thread :P
veer Posted January 13, 2009 Posted January 13, 2009 Legend? All time Great? How many legends has the game seen till date? How many all time greats has the game seen till date? hahahh goood one.. but one of the most fearful batter of recent times..
The Outsider Posted January 13, 2009 Posted January 13, 2009 ^^ the guy has achieved practically' date=' everything there is to achieve[/quote'] Yeah, not to many "legends" and "all time greats" with an away average of 40 in the world, are there?
rahulrulezz Posted January 13, 2009 Posted January 13, 2009 Hayden was a pure beast.... His walk down the pitch and smacking fast bowlers was pure carnage and treat to watch...Thanks for the memories Champ...
sandtest Posted January 13, 2009 Posted January 13, 2009 Haydos gone, Symmo in Gitmo on paki passport. Abb Punter ka kyaa hoga.
DomainK Posted January 13, 2009 Posted January 13, 2009 Okay, the Aussie opening is wide open. This could turn out to be the biggest problem for the Aussies. Last night A birdie came to my window, introduced herself as Ashes and was asking the way to England.
Shane Posted January 13, 2009 Posted January 13, 2009 Legend !!! Retired too soon for my liking ... could have hung around for a few say 15 years !!! :icflove:
Rajan Posted January 13, 2009 Posted January 13, 2009 Hayden=FTB,Minnow Basher I for noe do not believe i have to judge a cricketer favourably just because he has announced his retirement.if you analyse Hayden's career, he failed miserably in his first 10 tests against quality bowling. only after the great WI/SA/Pak fast bowlers have retired OR waned, he came back to score mountains of runs in australia. he did not have to face great bowlers as the best were playing for his team.ok, he had a very good series in india, so what, i would rate Andy Flower as a better batsman any day and so many left handed batsmen had great time in india, especially before Zak and Ishant came together. Hayden was found wanting in terms of technique in Ashes in england, he looked so woeful. he was average in SA. His last series here showed his true capabilities as a batsman. if Kumble had not dropped him in delhi, if Dravid had not dropped his easy catch in Nagpur 2nd innings, he would not have even a fifty score. Sehwag is much much better than Hayden in my humble opinion. as far as Australian opening batsmen, I would rate David Boon much higher than Hayden. may be the aussies who had watched better teams till late 1970's may have their own favourites. Hayden failed miserably in the decade 1990-1999, where as Sachin and many england cricketers like Atherton, stewart scored 1000's of runs against quality attacks. i feel bad that Hayden did not get picked up for the SA return series and ashes series. that would have portrayed him in his original self- an FTB and Minnow basher.perhaps among the best in that. f.b.m 1
coffee_rules Posted January 13, 2009 Posted January 13, 2009 Punter calls him best opener ever, let alone Australia. That's a pure hogwash, dubyaish comment. In the limited time, Sehwag has bettered Haydos. Plus as a person, Hayden is a pig. That's why he is respected far less outside Aus. Good riddance to this oldest juvenile.
Shane Posted January 13, 2009 Posted January 13, 2009 ^^ There is a certain Mr. SMG whom Ponting might have to give a thought about !!!
DomainK Posted January 13, 2009 Posted January 13, 2009 Punter calls him best opener ever' date=' let alone Australia. That's a pure hogwash, dubyaish comment. In the limited time, Sehwag has bettered Haydos. Plus as a person, Hayden is a pig. That's why he is respected far less outside Aus. Good riddance to this oldest juvenile.[/quote'] Punter? They belong to the same club. Thats a losers club where they admire each other because no one admires them outside. And yes, Sehwag is a much better batsman and human being.
factual Posted January 13, 2009 Posted January 13, 2009 I for noe do not believe i have to judge a cricketer favourably just because he has announced his retirement.if you analyse Hayden's career, he failed miserably in his first 10 tests against quality bowling. only after the great WI/SA/Pak fast bowlers have retired OR waned, he came back to score mountains of runs in australia. he did not have to face great bowlers as the best were playing for his team.ok, he had a very good series in india, so what, i would rate Andy Flower as a better batsman any day and so many left handed batsmen had great time in india, especially before Zak and Ishant came together. Hayden was found wanting in terms of technique in Ashes in england, he looked so woeful. he was average in SA. His last series here showed his true capabilities as a batsman. if Kumble had not dropped him in delhi, if Dravid had not dropped his easy catch in Nagpur 2nd innings, he would not have even a fifty score. Sehwag is much much better than Hayden in my humble opinion. as far as Australian opening batsmen, I would rate David Boon much higher than Hayden. may be the aussies who had watched better teams till late 1970's may have their own favourites. Hayden failed miserably in the decade 1990-1999, where as Sachin and many england cricketers like Atherton, stewart scored 1000's of runs against quality attacks. i feel bad that Hayden did not get picked up for the SA return series and ashes series. that would have portrayed him in his original self- an FTB and Minnow basher.perhaps among the best in that. Is this the same sehwag that couldn't even make the indian team in the first 3 matches when india toured australia 5 years ago. Hayden and langer overtook the west indies pair for the most century opening partnerships as well as most ever runs by an opening pair. Won 3 world cups and once held the record for the highest test score ever not to mention how many catches he took in the slips over the years. I think the 2003 world cup still hurts painfully in indian minds when hayden and gilchrist and then ponting took apart india's great fast bowler Z. khan. By the way boon wasn't an opener so I would say he isn't better than hayden at that spot wouldn't you.
Desi Cartman Posted January 13, 2009 Posted January 13, 2009 Is this the same sehwag that couldn't even make the indian team in the first 3 matches when india toured australia 5 years ago. Hayden and langer overtook the west indies pair for the most century opening partnerships as well as most ever runs by an opening pair. Won 3 world cups and once held the record for the highest test score ever not to mention how many catches he took in the slips over the years. I think the 2003 world cup still hurts painfully in indian minds when hayden and gilchrist and then ponting took apart india's great fast bowler Z. khan. By the way boon wasn't an opener so I would say he isn't better than hayden at that spot wouldn't you. I agree :nice: but i dislike him because he is an obnoxious weed ... thats all nothing to do with the WC
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