Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Aussie Hayden fit to face India

Australia opener Matthew Hayden will be fit for the fourth and final Test against India, in Adelaide, after recovering from a hamstring injury.

Hayden scored centuries in each of the first two Tests, both won by Australia, but a hamstring injury forced him out of the third-Test defeat.
"Obviously Matt coming back into the side will make a big difference," said Hayden's opening partner Phil Jaques.
"He's got lots of experience and is a great guy to have in the team."
Hayden had not missed a Test since 2000 until he was forced to sit out the match in Perth.
His absence was sorely felt as India claimed a 72-run win to halt Australia's bid for a record 17th consecutive Test win.
His replacement, debutant Chris Rogers, made just four and 15, while Jaques, who has only played seven Tests, contributed just eight and 16.
"My mindset didn't change much not having Matt there but obviously having him there will give the whole side a boost," said Jaques.
"Every Test we play, we get a better understanding of running between the wickets and how each other plays. It's definitely good to have a regular guy there."
Australia struggled against India's seam bowlers during the first innings in Perth but Jaques insisted Australia would deal with them better at the Adelaide Oval.
"They bowled with some very good discipline and they batted pretty well, but I think if we're honest we didn't play the way that we can play, we all know that, particularly in the batting department," Jaques said.
"We'll be looking at our top order to fire and I'm sure we'll have a better effort this time."

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