At a time when, the English squad is busy struggling with sudden departures from their own ranks, sports blogs and newspapers are celebrating the exit of Mathew Hayden. The speculations of whether Phil Jaques or Phillip Hughes will take over the place of the left hand batsman are in air. But these are not give England’s opening bowlers quite so many sleepless nights as Hayden did. According to tabloids, Australia’s ship has lost its figurehead. The Times branded Hayden the last great survivor of the team. He was a fearsome opener who has left Australia with big shoes to fill. Many feel that it will take Aussies time to refill Hayden’s place.

Welsh county Glamorgan expects a “coup” signing of the burly Queenslander if he was available for a full season. The manager Matthew Maynard says that if Hayden was all season, without a shadow of doubt they would had serious time.

But most blogs or media outlets expressed relief as Aussies is now weapon less with Warne, Gilchrist and McGrath already gone. The intimidation of England is now over.

Sportsblog likened Hayden’s mark at the crease to a rottweiler urinating on a lamp post.

A blog commented that Hayden was very epitome of the Australian way of playing the game; with swagger, self-conviction and an absolute refusal to retreat from either confrontation or the pursuit of excellence. While another blogger feels that observing Hayden coming out to bat as being like watching a bouncer about to start his shift at the door.

Indian opener Virender Sehwag saluted Hayden, saying that Hayden was the best attacking batsman he has ever seen. Sehwag, who has two Tests triple centuries to his credit, said he was amazed by the consistency Hayden showed over the past few years. Sehwag also commented that Australia will find it hard to replace some one like Hayden soon.

Other Related Articles

• Hayden’s Retirement is a Big Blow to Australia: Sehwag
• Kumble: The Jumbo Star of Indian Side
• Lillee: the Firebrand Bowler
• Hayden Had an Impressive Career
• The Man Behind the Stumps

Tags : England, Sports, India, Virender Sehwag, Australia, Adam Gilchrist, Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, cricket. Mathew Hayden, blog

This entry was posted on Thursday, January 22nd, 2009 at 10:59 am and is filed under Cricket. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.