Hayden banishes retirement talk

Struggling Australia opener Matthew Hayden has given no thoughts to retirement despite the prospect of being dropped if his bad run continues against South Africa in the third Test in Sydney.

The 102-Test veteran has scored just 56 runs in his last six innings and is hanging on to his pace in the side on reputation alone.

But the 37-year-old knows another failure in the Sydney Test, which starts on Saturday, could signal the end of 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.

Hayden scored eight and 23 in the Boxing Day Test defeat in Melbourne.

"I'm not sure going after you lose a series, in the middle of the series, would be the right time to go.

Matthew Hayden admits his place in the side is under threat due to his poor form

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"There's absolutely no doubt about that, so I didn't think about it for a minute."

"I've never been first picked in the side and that's held me in good stead because I think 'wow, I've got to play well'," he explained.

"That's been a great needle in my side that's agitated me to make sure I'm working harder than anyone else.

"I've been written off many times before and really loved and thrived on the fact I've come back and enjoyed playing Test match cricket for Australia."

But he admitted Sydney could be his international swansong if he cannot regain form.

"Performances have been average for me and I guess I live and die by the standards that I've set over a 15-20 year career," he said.

"I understand I need to get runs. I've always kept it very simple in Test match cricket. I have a certain strategy (and) sometimes it doesn't work and the result is evident.

"But I prepare the same way every time. I've loved playing for Australia, I'm very proud to represent my state and my country and I'm going to work and train over the next few days as hard as I ever have before.

"I'm going to go in with a certain strategy and a clear mind and enjoy whatever result may or my not come my way.

"Generally speaking, over 15 years it has gone my way."