Hayden confident of finding form

Matt Hayden hopes to defy the critics with runs in his 100th Test

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Australia opener Matthew Hayden is optimistic his unwavering work ethic and ability to defy the critics will see him back among the runs before his career ends.

The big left-hander suffered a lean tour of India and failed twice during the first Test against New Zealand on a tough Gabba wicket last week.

His form slump has the cricket world debating his future but Hayden, who'll play his 100th Test at Adelaide Oval, says he performs at his best when his back is against the wall.

"I guess the swing and the roundabouts of peoples’ perceptions have always been something I've never taken to heart but more of a motivation of how I can get better every single day," Hayden said.

"Those challenges I guess in my personality is what makes me tick as a human being and what I rely on, the fight of the competition to play my best cricket.

"When I'm in a battle one-on-one with a bowler, when I'm in a battle with the ball I'm playing my best cricket and that's something I've really, really enjoyed."

Hayden said his sustained approach to his sport may also help him this summer.

"My commitment to the game hasn't changed and, I think, if anything I could say what I'm proud of that would be it," he said.

"Matt Hayden in '91 worked as hard as what he'd be working come 2008. That at least guarantees you the best result in terms of your preparation and how you present yourself."

Meanwhile the Queenslander said Adelaide Oval was an ideal place to play his milestone match.

"Obviously it's a great place to play cricket full stop,” he said.

“I remember wandering out here with the retirements of (Justin) Langer and (Glenn) McGrath and we were looking over the grandstand towards the old church, full moon, just talking about some of the most unbelievable games of cricket we've seen here.

"All of us who've played a while have had great memories here, we've had success, we've had failure, we've had the whole spectrum of cricketing experiences.

"I guess this ground brings the best out of people. It's certainly one of the great events on the Test calendar year, the celebration of the crowd."

But Hayden was reluctant to say whether this would be his swansong at South Australia's home of cricket.

"I think if I can shape up and say that I'm still enjoying my cricket, I can still contribute it may not be my last," he said.

"When you’re getting towards the end of your career, you have to make these decisions but at the moment I'm not making that decision, I'm looking forward to playing good cricket."