Melbourne, Jan 20 : The Australian Cricketers Association has claimed that the Cricket Australia's handling of Mathew Hayden's case was "inconsistent," and has advised players of Board leveling financial penalties if they are injured during the Indian Premier League.

Hayden had his pay cut by Cricket Australia in an apparent warning to star players that they compete in the Indian Premier League at their own risk.

London, Jan. 15 : As the English squad continues to struggle with sudden departures from their own ranks, sports blogs and newspapers are celebrating the exit of one of Australia's all time batting greats - opener Mathew Hayden.

Speculation is rife that Phil Jaques or Phillip Hughes would take Hayden's place, but "neither will give England''s opening bowlers quite so many sleepless nights as Hayden - Australia''s ship has lost its figurehead," declared London''s Telegraph.

Brisbane, Jan. 14 : Former Australian opener Mathew Hayden has said that his decision to retire from all forms of the game was not an easy one to take.

Speaking a day after his retirement, he recalled speaking with Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd for about ten minutes or so, discussing how both would love to work together to try to advance the well being and prospects of Aboriginal cricketers.

These are the two lives of Hayden, the public figure and the outdoors boy who might one day just disappear into the wilderness and not come back.

Melbourne, Jan. 14  Test greats fear that Mathew Hayden's decision to retire from all forms of the game will end Australia's aura of invincibility on the cricket field.

Former skipper Steve Waugh claimed that the powerful opener had "changed the face of Test match batting forever".

Current skipper Ricky Ponting hailed Hayden as arguably the greatest Test opener the world had ever seen, while bowling legends Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne said they feared Australia could take years to recover.

Melbourne, Jan 11 : Australian opener Mathew Hayden has said that he had "nothing to fear" as he made plans for an island getaway with his family after his 15-year long international cricket career has come under severe scrutiny due to lack of form.

The 37-year-old would this week embark on a vacation to Stradbroke Island with wife Kellie and their three children, and use the time to weigh up the biggest decision of his cricketing life.

Sydney, Jan. 7: Australia's cricket selectors are likely to give opening batsman Mathew Hayden a tap on the shoulder, saying that probably his stint in international cricket is over after over 15 years of yeoman service.

The Daily Telegraph says that Hayden is tipped to be axed from Australia''s one-day and Twenty20 squads today, and this could be the final straw.