Matthew Hayden has said that he would not accept a role within the Australia coaching set-up following the treatment of his longtime opening partner Justin Langer during his spell in charge.
You can read the full interview with Hayden in issue 72 of Wisden Cricket Monthly, out now.
Langer was appointed as the head coach of the Australia men’s side in the aftermath of Sandpapergate in early 2018. He oversaw a relatively successful period for the Australia side, leading them to the T20 World Cup title in 2021 and a 4-0 home Ashes series win in 2021/22 but resigned from his role in February 2022 following the offer of just a six-month contract extension despite his recent success as coach. It was reported at the time that the relationship between Langer and several senior players had deteriorated.
Langer would later remark that he was happy in his role at the time of his departure except for what he described as the “bulls*** politics” that he saw as being associated with the job.
Hayden, who alongside Langer formed the second-most prolific opening partnership in the history of Test cricket, has said that Langer’s experience in the role has put him off wanting to work with Australia.
Speaking to Melinda Farrell in the latest issue of Wisden Cricket Monthly, Hayden said: “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 is currently commentating on the ongoing on World Cup in India but was recently part of the Pakistan coaching staff. The former Australia batter also commented on the current absence of ‘greats’ in the running 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,” said Hayden. “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.”
