Ponting leads Hayden tributes

Ricky Ponting watches Matthew Hayden announce his retirement from all forms of cricket earlier today

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Australia captain Ricky Ponting today led the chorus of praise for retiring opener Matthew Hayden.

Hayden announced his decision to quit all forms of the game this morning at the Gabba, and he departs with an average of 50.73 from 103 Tests.

He scored 8,625 runs in Test cricket, including 30 centuries, and a further 7,767 at an average of 43.80 in 161 one-day internationals.

Ponting was full of admiration for the Queenslander and admitted his influence off the pitch would also be sorely missed.

“Taking his 30 Test hundreds out of it and his average of 50 and all that, he's a massive loss for our dressing room, there's no doubt about that,” Ponting said.

“We'll all miss him greatly, as an experienced guy around the team and obviously a great mate.”

Ponting was also quick to cement Hayden's place in the pantheon of champion openers.

“I don't think there is any doubt about that (being Australia's best opener),” he added.

“You can even look back through the history books of the game and try and see if there has ever been a better opening batsman in the game, let alone Australia.

"His opening partnership with Justin (Langer) in Test cricket will always be remembered as something very special."

Langer thanked Hayden for providing him with the “fairytale” end to his own Test career in January 2007.

When asked about his fondest memories of batting alongside Hayden, he replied: “The one that’s in my memory and my soul at the moment is my last Test match (against England in Sydney in 2007).

“We won the series 5-0 and walked off together, so it was a fairytale end and one that I’ll never forget thanks to my big mate.”

Hayden deserves to be ranked among the finest openers in Test history, according to Ponting

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The Somerset captain believes Hayden has made the right decision in calling time on his career.

He added: “He realised the time was right. Having spoken to him earlier this morning before he made the announcement, he is certainly comfortable with his decision and happy to move forward from here.”

Cricket Australia chairman Jack Clarke declared Hayden to be “one of the greatest ever players to pull on the baggy green”.

"To open the batting with an average over 50 in 103 Test matches puts him among the all-time greats of the game," Clarke said.

"Matthew was an integral part of the most successful era in Australian cricket history.

"It would be an interesting task if the team of the century was to be selected today to rate Matthew against Bill Ponsford and Arthur Morris."

Fast bowling legend Glenn McGrath paid tribute to his former team-mate and longstanding friend.

"It's been an absolute honour and a privilege to play with him and even more so to call him a mate," McGrath said.

"And to me Matty is a legend of the game. He's got nothing left to prove - his career stands alone. Hopefully now we'll be able to spend a bit more time together off the field."

Queensland Cricket chairman Daniel Mullins lauded the contribution Hayden made to the domestic.

"Matthew Hayden has, through his outstanding performances, earned the admiration and respect of the Queensland cricket public. He is truly one of the legends of Queensland sport," Mullins said.

"In Sheffield Shield cricket, only Sir Donald Bradman scored more runs in fewer matches than Hayden."