da bet7： Matthew Hayden and his opening partner Phil Jaques are preparing to get back to playing Tests
Peter English in Brisbane05-May-2008
Matthew Hayden “felt like Adam Gilchrist” in the IPL, but must now return to a more conservative style of play as he readies himself for the Test series against West Indies © Getty Images
Matthew Hayden might have spent only two weeks withthe Indian Premier League, but the experience has leftmore than memories. As he contemplated a return tolife as a Test player, Hayden joked about the changeshe would need to make before the first Test againstWest Indies on May 22.”Don’t be surprised if you see me trying to hit overthe top in the first few overs,” he said. “There’ll bebig adjustments.”Hayden has a lot to think about over the nextcouple of weeks after his journey in India involvedtrying to launch balls out of stadiums. Regaining thedefensive outlook required to deal with openingbowlers delivering red balls will be essential whenAustralia take their first Test steps since the 2-1victory over India in January.A five-day camp in Brisbane started the change inapproach for the 15-man squad and Hayden spoke of thealterations while standing next to his opening partnerPhil Jaques. “Jaquesy and I have to graft away forfour-and-a-half hours before we get a chance toexpress ourselves,” he said. “[In Twenty20] it’s agreat relief for opening batsmen to feel like you havea licence – you feel like Adam Gilchrist.”While Hayden was blasting away in the IPL, Jaquesspent four weeks at home with his family afterconcluding his season with a Pura Cup victory. Hehas had some time in the nets and enjoyed his break. “I’vefreshened up,” he said, “now it’s business time.”The trip to the West Indies will be Jaques’ first Testtrip as a settled member of the side. In the lead-upto the previous campaign he was trying to stay aheadof Chris Rogers to take Justin Langer’s place, butthis time his preparations are more stress free.”I was not guaranteed a spot this time last year,” hesaid. “I had to work really hard to make that spotmine. In the short-term at least there’s a little bitof breathing room, but everybody’s got to perform andkeep raising the bar.”Hayden is excited to be returning to the Caribbean,the scene of Australia’s 2007 World Cup triumph, andthe start of a long campaign. By the time the squadhas its next major break Hayden is likely to havejoined Langer in retirement.”We’re really excited about the next phase … we haveto be because it’s two years of solid cricket,” hesaid. “The West Indies holds amazing memories for mefrom the World Cup. I’ve enjoyed my cricket there asmuch as anywhere in the world.”