Former Australian opening batsman Matthew Hayden Australia’s batting structure and coaching have been strongly criticized after Team’s defeat in Boxing Day Test On December 29, 2025 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
Speaking after Australia’s defeat to England, Hayden took aim at batting coach Michael Di VenutoQuestioned his long-term impact on the side’s technical development.
Despite already having an unassailable 3-1 lead in the Ashes series, Australia suffered a crushing defeat by four wickets in just two days. The hosts were all out for 152 and 132 on a seam-friendly surface.
Hayden calls Australia’s scorecard “unacceptable”
Speaking on All Over The Cricket Podcast, Hayden did not hold back from analyzing Australia’s batting failures. He argued that the condition of the pitch was no excuse for the technical shortcomings displayed by the top and middle order.
“That’s an unacceptable scorecard. I don’t care if it was 50 millimeters of grass. You need to be better than that,” Hayden said. he specifically named Travis Head, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Usman KhawajaAlex Carey And cameron green players who came forward “In the ocean” Against fast bowling.
According to Hayden, Australia’s bowlers looked technically stronger than their batsmen, a situation he found worrying at Test level.
Insisting that this was not a personal attack, the former opening batsman questioned whether Di Venuto’s influence had actually benefited Australia’s Test batting group.
“I’m not a fan of theirs. It’s nothing personal. I just think there’s been a batting dominance in this group for a long time and I don’t think it’s helped the development of the team or the technical element of Test cricket.” Hayden said.
He further argued that Australia’s struggles are not limited to green wickets at home, but also extend to overseas conditions, especially in the subcontinent, where adaptability and sophisticated technique are crucial.
Also read: ICC pitch ratings explained: MCG rated ‘unsatisfactory’ The Ashes 2025-26
“You haven’t seen Ricky Ponting bat at number three”: Hayden
Hayden emphasized accountability as the missing ingredient in Australia’s batting approach. He compared the current system with figures from previous generations such as ricky pontingSuggesting that senior players in the past would not tolerate repeated technical mistakes.
“You don’t see Ricky Ponting batting at number three like Marnus Labuschagne throwing his wicket away. Not a chance,” Hayden commented that former teammates and senior players may have interfered.
He also criticized what he saw as a rigid mentality based on circumstances, arguing that players should adopt pre-determined methods rather than default.
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