by Veena Gabriel
There is no doubt that Matthew, the left handed opener for Australia, is a living legend. His active first class cricket career spanned over eventful 17 years and 103 matches. With an overall record of 8625 runs at an average of 50.73 in Tests, he held the record for being the top scorer with his 380 against Zimbabwe at Perth in 2003 till Lara overtook him by scoring 400.
All this is about cricket records but Matthew comes out as a very loving and caring parent. When the great batsman can take a decision of quitting while picking wild tomatoes with his daughter, it surely shows where his priorities lay. Or maybe where he feels more loved.
An excerpt from his press conference:
Hayden told the media persona, “At one stage on Saturday I was picking a crazy bush of wild tomatoes and talking with Grace, as dad and daughter do when I said: ‘Darling, I think I’ve had enough, I want to be here.’ She said, ‘Oh, Daddy, one more Christmas.’ She loved the Boxing Day Test. I said: ‘No, darling, this is time.’”
Being emotional but upbeat and relieved by finally taking the decision of quitting, he read out his retirement speech with his son in his arms coming across as a very indulgent father.
As he said, he was retiring only from cricket not from life, he has made plans for future. He said he would like to pursue many things such as spending life outdoors, cooking, fishing, each activity being focused on being with his family.
Also he is actively involved in raising awareness for breast cancer, a disease which claimed the life of Jane McGrath, McGrath Foundation becoming an activity to which he will be giving more time
Being a cricketer he is fully aware that so many kids out there have a dream of wearing baggy green cap for their country. Since he was able to fulfill his dream, he feels now it is time to move on and help others to realise their dream for playing for Australia. It is a great honour to represent one’s country.
Above all he wants to focus on some key areas in cricket itself and help in promoting cricket among the Australian Indigenous Community.
This is real Hayden, a man who realises his commitments towards his family, his society and his country and working towards fulfilling them.
We wish him a very successful and satisfactory retired life.
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No Cheer in This Dressing Room
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Andrew Hilditch Braces for Rebuilding Australia
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The Week’s Craziest Headline: IPL – Root Cause of Aussie Decline?
The Many Shades of the Australian Skipper: Ponting in Pictures!
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