Melbourne, Jan. 14 : Cricket commentator Peter Roebuck is of the view that Matthew Hayden's decision to retire from all forms of the game will provoke relief among long-suffering bowlers.

He further goes on to say that in some eyes, Hayden was the epitome of hard-nosed Australia, a label he seemed happy to wear. However, closer inspection revealed a warmer nature.

"Among comrades he commanded affection; opponents felt only fear and, occasionally, resentment. Hayden started later than his contemporaries and wanted to last longer. Strong of mind and body, he hoped to play another Ashes series this year, to score a few more hundreds, to end in a blaze. It was not to be," says Roebuck in his article for The Age.

Melbourne, Jan 13: Australia's Foreign Affairs Minister Stephen Smith has hailed Matthew Hayden as being among country's top three left-handers, following his retirement.

The minister paid tribute to Hayden who announced his retirement today, saying the 37-year-old was "a great Australian," and added that Hayden could count himself among select company, the Herald Sun reported.

Melbourne, Jan 13: Australian opener Matthew Hayden has got his timing right in the end by announcing his retirement, the Courier Mail has said.

Hayden's wonderful career deserves the rousing send-off he will receive before a sell-out crowd at the Gabba today.

To play on in South Africa and try and prove to people he still had it would have been a journey too far and at the age of 37 nothing gets easier for international sportsmen, the paper said.

Melbourne, Jan 13: Out of form Australian opener Matthew Hayden has decided to quit cricket after an outstanding international career of 15 years.

Hayden will be given a rousing farewell with a lap of the ground during the innings break at the Twenty20 match between South Africa and Australia at the Gabba on Tuesday night, FOX Sports reported.

"Today I'm announcing my retirement from representative cricket, effective immediately. I know that now is the time to move on," Hayden told reporters.

Even though he may have been dro

Sydney, Jan. 2: The South African cricket team is anticipating a severe batting backlash from Australian opener Matthew Hayden, who has been knocked over cheaply four times in the ongoing series between the two nations.

Admitting to a fear factor prevailing in the Proteas camp, coach Micky Arthur said knocking Hayden over cheaply in four innings was the key to their historic series win, but added that he still remained essential to Australia''s Ashes chances and that all teams were wary of what he can do at the top of the innings.