SYDNEY, Aug 29: Ailing Australia must make bold selection decisions and axe out-of-form opener Matthew Hayden for the make-or-break fifth Test in order to retain the Ashes, newspapers said Monday.

England clinched victory by three wickets in the fourth Trent Bridge Test Sunday with a day to spare and now have a 2-1 lead in the series heading into the final Test starting on Sept 8.

Australian media were unanimous in calling for the sacking of 33-year-old Hayden, who has averaged just 22.50 in a mediocre return of 180 runs from eight innings in the series and dropped several crucial catches.

Newspapers called for selectors to go outside the touring squad and chose Michael Hussey to open the innings with Justin Langer to revitalise the hesitant batting.

There were also calls for another long-term incumbent batsman Damien Martyn (168 runs at 21) to be dropped, and a push for the inclusion of bowling all-rounder Shane Watson and for Stuart MacGill to partner Shane Warne in a twin leg-spin attack.

“Harsh assessments need to be made, and players who have not contributed must make way,” The Australian said.

The Sydney Morning Herald’s Peter Roebuck wrote: “Hayden looks out of sorts. Alas, the time has come to withdraw him from the firing line. Michael Hussey is the man to take his place.

“Hussey has been in fine form and will improve the fielding. Never mind that he is not in the squad. Are the Ashes to be lost over trifles?”

Hussey starred in the one-day matches before the Tests and has been in great form for Durham in the English county championship.

Roebuck said MacGill must also play. “Since pace is not working, the time has come to try spin. Warne has been forced to bowl long spells and might appreciate the support.

“MacGill’s selection upsets the balance of the side, but Shane Watson has made a fine impression at Hampshire.”

News Limited’s Robert Craddock said skipper Ricky Ponting’s blow-up over England’s use of substitute fieldsmen said much about his frustration at seeing the Ashes slipping away and being run out.—AFP