Former Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden has shed light on why he won’t coach the Australian men’s cricket team.
Justin Langer’s coaching saga
The present coach for the Australian men’s side is Andrew McDonald, who assumed the position after Hayden’s former opening partner, Justin Langer.
Langer became the head coach in early 2018, a role he undertook in the wake of the Sandpapergate controversy.
During Langer’s tenure, the Australian team achieved significant successes, including their triumphant campaign in the T20 World Cup in 2021 and a dominant 4-0 victory in the home Ashes series in 2021/22. However, Langer’s abrupt resignation in February 2022 raised many questions and speculations. Multiple reports surfaced indicating that Langer had faced challenges in his relationship with some senior players within the team, which contributed to the decision.
Matthew Hayden’s views on coaching Australia men’s team
Speaking to Wisden Cricket Monthly, Hayden, drawing on Langer’s departure, revealed his reservations about the prospect of coaching the Australian team if the opportunity will arise. The 52-year-old specifically highlighted concerns regarding the handling of Langer’s exit by the management.
“I wouldn’t [coach Australia], no. After Justin and his treatment, I wouldn’t have any part of trying to coach Australia because I just don’t feel that’s something I would enjoy. I really love Australian cricket and I really love broadcasting on the current cricket team. I think they’re a magnificent team but in terms of an investment, no, it’s not something that I’d even consider,” Hayden said.
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The absence of cricketing ‘greats’ in administration
Furthermore, Hayden raised an interesting point about the lack of cricketing “greats” involved in the administration of Australian men’s cricket.
“What’s quite interesting is that there’s not a former great that is actually at the helm of Australian cricket. Not on. Not as a chairman of selectors, not as a coach, not as a board director. At no layer is there leadership that’s got a former great player of Australian cricket operating within that team unit. And that, to me, is surprising considering we’ve just come out of three great eras or decades of Australian cricket,” the Kingaroy-born cricketer concluded.
It’s worth noting that Hayden was part of the coaching staff for the Pakistan team during the 2021 and 2022 T20 World Cups, where Pakistan reached the semi-finals and finals, respectively. Since then, he has primarily been engaged in broadcasting and is currently in India to cover the ODI World Cup 2023.
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