ADELAIDE, Jan 22: The return of Matthew Hayden has given Australia a huge confidence boost ahead of the fourth and final Test against India starting on Thursday.

The big Queensland opener scored centuries in each of the first two Tests, both won by Australia, but a hamstring injury forced him out of last week’s third match, surprisingly won by India.

Hayden has declared himself available for the final match and his team-mates believe his return will swing the balance back in Australia’s favour.

“Obviously Matt coming back into the side will make a big difference to our team,” Hayden’s opening partner Phil Jaques told a news conference on Tuesday.

“He has a wealth of knowledge, he’s got lots of experience and is a great guy to have in the team.”

Hayden had not missed a Test for Australia since 2000 and his impact on the team’s success was all the more noticeable by his absence at Perth.

His replacement, Chris Rogers, made only 4 and 15 on his debut, while Jaques, who has only played seven Tests, also failed with scores of 8 and 16.

Jaques said he could not blame his failure on the absence of Hayden but admitted the presence of his more experienced partner did make it easier for all the top-order batsmen.

“My mindset didn’t change much not having Matt there but obviously having him there will give the whole side a boost.”

“Every Test we play we get a better understanding of running between the wickets and how each other play. It’s definitely good to have a regular guy there.”

The Australian batting failed miserably in the first innings in Perth, dismissed for just 212, as the top-order struggled to cope with the swing generated by India’s seamers.

Jaques said he expected the Indians would not get as much movement at the Adelaide Oval while the Australian batsmen would be ready for them this time.—Reuters