Hayden hangs up his bat (and not just outside off-stump)

It’s Day 174 in the World of Spurt house and John is in the diary room knocking one out – another blog entry that is.

Now we occasionally take a modicum of stick for our barely suppressed Aussie bashing/baiting, but we guarantee you we’re as fair-minded, racially-sensitive and well balanced as any member of the British Royal family...

Erm ...anyway moving swiftly on, slightly sad news today with the announcement of the retirement of Matt ‘Matty’ Hayden, the Aussie opener who’s finally hung up his bat.

It’s sad news indeed mainly because it’ll make the Aussie team that little bit stronger for the Ashes this summer.

Still, even we have to admit albeit reluctantly that Hayden was a great player in his time, averaging over 50 in Tests, World Record holder until Lara retook it and the only time we’ve seen him tamed was the 2005 Ashes series, when The Fred had him firmly in his pocket.

But averaging just over 16 in the last two series, it was definitely time for Hayden to fall on his sword, probably before he was pushed.

A difficult bloke to like though and it seems doubtful he’ll be remembered with any true affection outside of Oz.

Put it this way we’d much rather go out on the lash with Warney of an evening, but Hayden’s also the last in the line of that unbreakable series of Aussie titans: Langer, Gilchrist, Warne, McGrath.

There’s only little Ricky left now... and for that the rest of the cricket world will be truly thankful.