June 30, 2007	Saturday	Jamadi-us-Sani 14, 1428

MELBOURNE, June 29: Opening batsman Matthew Hayden has declared he has no intention of retiring from Test and one-day cricket and wants to help shepherd Australia into a new era.

Hayden, 36 in October, said he still had the desire to tackle what looms as a gruelling period for the Australian team.

Australia are due to play up to 27 Tests, 50 One-day Internationals and a dozen Twenty20 matches in the 18 months from September, a schedule Hayden wants to complete.“I will give myself the best chance to do it,” Hayden told Friday's Herald-Sun.

“It's as big a year as anyone has ever had in cricket. I am in such a privileged position at the moment. I not only feel at the top of my game but I also love it and I am in a great position to be a role model.”

Hayden's glittering batting helped Australia to a third-straight World Cup last April.

The big Queenslander crunched three centuries and amassed a tournament-high 659 runs at 73.22 in 11 innings.

“I want to instil into the next generation of players how much an older player loves the game,” Hayden said. “I want to instil a culture that will hopefully benefit and leave a legacy for the players.”

Hayden, who is along with his team-mates on an extended four-month break from the game, will have new support next southern summer with long-time Test opening partner Justin Langer now retired.

West Australian Chris Rogers and New South Wales opener Phil Jaques are the early favourites for the role, but there has also been talk about Shane Watson or Brad Hodge filling the spot.—AFP