|
Hayden confirms retirement
Australian opening batsman Matthew Hayden has announced his retirement from cricket after a 17-year first-class career and 103 Test matches.
Hayden revealed his decision at his home ground, the Gabba, in Brisbane.
The 37-year-old took a lap of honour in front of his home crowd during Tuesday evening's Twenty20 match between Australia and South Africa.
"I have loved so much playing cricket, and I count it as such an honour to have represented my country," he said.
The powerful left-hander scored 8,625 runs at an average of 50.73 during his Test career but averaged less than 20 in Australia's recent 2-1 Test series loss to South Africa, their first home series defeat in 16 years.
An emotional Hayden, who is sixth on the all-time list of Test century-makers with 30 hundreds, added: "I know that now is the time to move on.
"I've lived the dream of every kid who has ever picked up a bat and ball and wanted to wear the baggy green (Australian test cap).
"I am retiring from cricket, not from life, there is still so much that I want to achieve and contribute to the community."
|
