ENG vs AUS: Matthew Hayden Expresses Reluctance To Coach Australia Following Justin Langer's Exit In Controversial Manner

Former Australian opener Matthew Hayden has firmly rejected any possibility of coaching the Australian cricket team in the future. Matthew Hayden expressed disappointment with how former opening partner Justin Langer was handled by the players and board.

Justin Langer took over the Australian team after the infamous Sandpaper Gate. The 52-year-old achieved significant successes during his tenure, including Ashes victories and a T20 World Cup title. However, he was offered a six-month contract extension, but he declined.

It’s Not Something That I’d Even Consider – Matthew Hayden

In the latest issue of Wisden Cricket Monthly, Matthew Hayden expressed his love for Australian cricket but stated that coaching is not a path he would consider following Justin Langer’s departure.

“I wouldn’t (coach Australia), no. After Justin and his treatment, I wouldn’t have any part of trying to coach Australia because I just don’t feel that’s something I would enjoy,” Hayden told Wisden Cricket Monthly.

“I really love Australian cricket, and I really love broadcasting on the current cricket team. I think they’re a magnificent team, but in terms of an investment, no, it’s not something that I’d even consider.”

Hayden served as part of the coaching staff for Pakistan during the 2021 and 2022 T20 World Cups, with Pakistan reaching the semi-finals and finals, respectively. Currently, he is a member of the commentary panel for the ICC World Cup 2023 in India.

There’s Not A Former Great At the Helm – Matthew Hayden

Matthew Hayden said that Australian cricket doesn’t have a former great player involved at the top level, highlighting the absence of such leadership despite Australia’s rich cricketing history.

“What’s quite interesting is that there’s not a former great that is actually at the helm of Australian cricket. Not one,” Hayden continued.

“Not as a chairman of selectors, not as a coach, not as a board director. At no layer is there leadership that’s got a former great player of Australian cricket operating within that team unit.

“That, to me, is surprising considering we’ve just come out of three great eras or decades of Australian cricket.”

While Justin Langer was the head coach, ex-teammates like Ricky Ponting and Steve Waugh acted as mentors. But since Langer left, there has been a noticeable absence of former great players actively participating in leadership roles within Australian cricket.

Also read: IND vs ENG: Matthew Hayden Snubs Shubman Gill And David Warner As He Picks His Opening Batter From World Cup 2023