Matthew Hayden has said that he would not accept a role within the Australia coaching set-up following the treatment of his longtime opening partner Justin Langer during his spell in charge.
Langer was appointed head coach of the Australian men’s team in early 2018 following Sandpapergate. He led the Australian national team through a relatively successful period, leading them to victory in the 2021 T20 World Cup and a 4-0 victory in the 2021/22 home Ashes series, but resigned in February 2022. This is because they rebelled against his demands. Despite his recent success as a coach, he was only offered a six-month contract extension. At the time, it was reported that Langer’s relationship with several senior players had deteriorated.
Langer later said he was satisfied with his role at the time of his retirement, apart from what he described as the “bullsh*t politics” that came with the job.
Hayden, who with Langer formed the second most productive opening partnership in Test cricket history, said Langer’s experience in the role deterred him from linking up with Australia.
Speaking to Melinda Farrell in the latest issue of
Wisden Cricket Monthly, Hayden said: After Justin and his treatment, I will not be involved in coaching Australia. Because I don’t feel like enjoying it. I love Australian cricket and love covering the current cricket team. I think they’re a great team, but I wouldn’t even consider them from an investment standpoint. ”
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Hayden is currently commentating on the ongoing on World Cup in India but was recently part of the Pakistan coaching staff. The former Australia batter also commented on the current absence of ‘greats’ in the running of Australian men’s cricket. “What’s quite interesting is that there’s not a former great that is actually at the helm of Australian cricket. Not on,” said Hayden. “Not as a chairman of selectors, not as a coach, not as a board director. There is no leadership at any level that would allow a former great Australian cricketer to operate on this team basis. This is surprising to me considering we have been through his three great eras, or decades, of Australian cricket. ”
You can read the full interview with Hayden in issue 72 of Wisden Cricket Monthly, out now.
