Matthew Hayden Reveals Toughest Opponent

Over the years Australia has been one of the most revered teams across the globe. They dominated world cricket during the early majority of 2000’s. Till 2008-09 they were the undisputed champions.

However, after the retirement of a few stalwarts, it hasn’t been the same old Australian team. Among the great batsmen who have gone on to represent Australia at the highest level, Matthew Hayden is one of the most prominent former Australian cricketers.

The southpaw Hayden has had terrorized opposition bowling line-up. He made his Test debut way back in 1994 and went onto represent Australia in 103 Tests, 161 One-day Internationals, and nine Twenty20 Internationals. His career spanned for 15 years.

In his later years, Hayden was part of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) squad in the Indian Premier League (IPL). After his retirement from all forms of cricket, Hayden is a now a pretty popular commentator.

There were bowlers during his time who used to trouble Hayden. Meanwhile, he also played with and against some of the greatest batsmen of the modern generation.

During a conversation with International Business Times, he revealed the toughest bowler he faced in his career.

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“My toughest bowler was (pause for a while) probably Curtly Ambrose. (Ambrose) He was a magnificent bowler, fast, accurate and relentless from ball one. He gave you nothing to hit and bowled one line, one length. Among Indian players, I have had wonderful battles with Harbhajan (Singh). He did solid, emotional battles. So, those two players (Ambrose and Harbhajan) were tough,” Hayden was quoted as saying by IB Times.

The sensational spell of seven wickets for just one run at the WACA in Perth against some great batsmen of Australia won’t be easily forgotten.

So much so, the feat was achieved way back in February 1993.

Meanwhile, he also revealed the name of the best batsman he played with and against.

“The best batsman I played with was Ricky Ponting. And against, it was Brian Lara, for obvious reasons,” Hayden added.

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Meanwhile, he also feels suspended cricketers; Steven Smith and David Warner will make a stunning comeback in the national colours.

“They will bounce back. The great thing about Australian public is that they are extremely forgiving. They are also harsh critics of poor behaviour in sport. The sport in Australia is revered,” Matthew Hayden added.

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