If Matthew Hayden was just beginning his career he would be dropped from the Australian side. That would be right, since in his last 5 matches he has failed to give Australia the start they need. As a young player he would have the opportunity to rebuild his confidence, accumulate some runs and force his way back into the side.
If Matthew Hayden was aged 25 it might be worth giving him a few more matches to get back into form. At 25 he would have another 5 or 6 years of good cricket ahead of him, so it would be worth perservering.
But Matthew Hayden is 37, and at most has only a year or two of cricket top class cricket left. Is it worth perservering for another match or two? Should he go to South Africa, and perhaps to England? NO!
If Matthew Hayden does not retire after this game and open the door for a younger player to be blooded in Sydney the selection should show him the door. Sorry Matthew, but it's time.
Should the selectors keep you in the side then put aside your pride, announce your retirement as at the end of the Test, and go out with your head held high.
For Cricket Australia the choice should be clear - either Hayden goes, or the selectors do!
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