Going in to Bat for Matty Hayden

Greetings Blog-land.

Those in Australia who have been following the Test Series with South Africa would be well aware that Aussie opener Matthew Hayden is under enormous pressure to retain his spot. In the papers, both journalists and letters from readers are calling for his head. Online it is much the same. I'd like to take this opportunity to side with Haydos.

By doing so I'm not saying that any Australian player should be an automatic inclusion in the Test XI. A baggy green cap is the greatest honour any cricketer in this country can ever have bestowed upon them. It is a privilage that must be earned, not just initially but must be continually earned throughout a test player's career. Hayden has struggled this summer, he himself knows it and his place in the team is under threat. There are young guys coming through who are all more than able to handle the pressure of the test arena. They are the future.

So I'm not saying Hayden should automatically be picked in the February squad for the return series in South Africa. The point I would like to make is about the fickleness of the sport following public. One of the greatest test batsmen we've ever had the privilige of watching is struggling and what was once admiration and accolades from supporters has turned to venom and unkind swipes.

Don't forget people, that this man has played 103 Test matches for Australia, scoring 8625 runs at an average of 50.74. He has scored 30 Test centuries. The man deserves a little more respect. People seem to have forgotten a little too easily about all the times they cheered him on, whether at games or glued to their television sets as Haydos punished whatever attack he was facing with precision, skill and raw talent.

So before calling for the man's head, please, remember what he has done for Australian cricket. Remember too he is a human being, and all the negativity in the media and from fans isn't helping him in his quest to find some form.

Have a great weekend,
Gaw