EXCLUSIVE
Melbourne: Matthew Hayden, who revelled in smashing bowlers all over the park and was part of Australia’s World Cup-winning teams in 2003 and 2007, spoke to The Telegraph on Thursday.
Now 43, Hayden retired in early 2009 after scoring 8,625 runs in Tests (average of 50.73) and 6,133 runs in ODIs (average of 43.80). At the very top of the order, he was a class act.
Excerpts...
Q From among those in this World Cup, who would be your top-five batsmen?
A In random order, I'd choose...
VIRAT KOHLI (India): Is technically sound and has the full range of shots. Has the ability to get runs even under pressure. That's a big quality.
DAVID WARNER (Australia): Technically, a little limited when compared to Kohli, but has that star quality. He's street smart and has a strong belief in his abilities.
BRENDON McCULLUM (New Zealand): He's picked up Adam Gilchrist's mantle. He's fearless and stands as a real testimony to modern-day batting.
AB de VILLIERS (South Africa): He's a blend of pure batting and innovation. For me, that's a fantastic combination. He brings so much to the table.
KUMAR SANGAKKARA (Sri Lanka): An absolute great with timing second to none. A good power-hitter really good against spin. Easily one of the best of his generation. It's a pity his ODI career ended in such a huge defeat for his team.
Chris Gayle doesn't figure in your list...
Gayle would be in my list of the most entertaining batsmen. He'd be at No.1, but in that list only... He's different and isn't predictable. That makes him a top entertainer.
What's the future you see for the highly-rated Steve Smith?
Steve enjoys his cricket and doesn't get too caught up with the headlines... Won't look to make the magazine covers... I find his attitude refreshing. He comes across as a simple guy, focused on cricket.
Among the batsmen who've retired from all formats (Sangakkara is still available for Test cricket), who'd make it to your top-five?
Again, in random order...
SIR VIVIAN RICHARDS (West Indies): The greatest of them all and my hero. He was regal, yet had power and had a swagger worth going miles to see. Clearly, he ignited one-day cricket.
SACHIN TENDULKAR (India): Technically, brilliant. In fact, brilliant under all conditions. Scored hundreds pretty much at will.
ADAM GILCHRIST (Australia): Changed the way one could bat in limited overs cricket and took the role of a 'keeper-batsman to another level. How can one forget he smashed his way to glory in the 2007 World Cup?
BRIAN LARA (West Indies): Right at the top in terms of technique and a more destructive player than Sachin, especially against spinners. He'd murder them. He'd probably be the most natural of them all.
RICKY PONTING (Australia): Technically, brilliant. Could score under all conditions, the hallmark of a great batsman.
To end... What's your advice to the emerging generation of batsmen?
Work within a structure, particularly if you're looking to play in all formats - Tests, ODIs and T20Is. Like a golfer, you actually need different clubs. But, in cricket, there's just one club for the different games. You have to work hard as the club won't change.
