Arthur wary of Hayden backlash

Mickey Arthur says Matthew Hayden is among the most imposing batsmen around

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South Africa coach Mickey Arthur has warned his buoyant team to be on guard against Australia opener Matthew Hayden when the third Test gets under way in Sydney tomorrow.

The Proteas secured their first series victory on Australian soil by establishing an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-Test series.

They can complete a whitewash with victory at the SCG, but Arthur is wary of a Hayden resurgence after a sequence of just 56 runs in six innings.

"We are fearing a resurgent Matthew Hayden here," Arthur said. "I know he trains hard, I know he is a fighter. It looks like his Test career might be on the line."

Hayden, 37, knows another failure in Sydney is almost certain to end his international career.

That call appears likely to be made by the selectors, with Hayden giving every indication he wants to play on beyond the current series.

And Arthur is backing the burly Queenslander to come good and play a part in the Ashes series in England this summer.

"I think Australia are going to need him in the Ashes," Arthur added. "That is my personal opinion.

"You need all the experience you can have through a series like that, especially if you are changing the side and bringing a few new guys in. I think Matthew Hayden is one of those experienced heads.

"Matty Hayden playing well is a huge presence. Graeme Smith and him are the two guys in world cricket with the most presence at the wicket.

"When they play well it seems that the others follow. We expect Matty Hayden to come out fighting and I am certainly expecting him to be around for the Ashes series."