Australian opener Matthew Hayden has sought former South African opener, and his Chennai Super Kings coach, Kepler Wessels’ advice about his retirement plans.
The 37-year-old left-hander developed a close understanding with Wessels during his stint with Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League which took place earlier this year.
Wessels, who played 24 Tests for Australia and went on to captain South Africa in another 16, advised Hayden to have no qualms about ending his international career and urged him to set his sights on his expected swansong, the Ashes which will be played in England in 2009.
Since completing back-to-back centuries against India in January, Hayden has been suffering from a drop in form and has managed only 282 runs in seven Test matches at an average of 23.50 which is in stark contrast to his career average of 51.34.
“He played under me at the Chennai Super Kings and we had some good chats,” Wessels told the Herald Sun. "Matt (Hayden) was brilliant at Chennai. He worked very hard, he was such a good influence and the fact we made the final had a lot to do with him."
Wessels added that Hayden wanted to continue playing till the Ashes next year.
"The impression I got was that he was still pretty keen. He still wanted to play. He wasn't entirely sure how long he wanted to go, but he felt the end of the Ashes was his goal. “
"I told him he was playing well and working well. I could see he was enjoying it. I said, you’re a long time retired, so, go as long as you can,” he added.
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