Hayden raises concerns over Warner’s absence in upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy
Warner’s record against India includes 1218 runs in 21 Tests at an average of 31.23, with all four of his centuries against them scored on home soil. Despite these figures, Hayden believes the challenge of filling Warner’s shoes goes beyond numbers, pointing out that the left-hander’s aggressive approach was key to Australia’s strategy.

Khan Mutasim Billah LifeEditor
Posted - 2024-08-22T02:19:55+06:00
Updated - 2024-08-22T02:19:55+06:00
Former Australian opener Matthew Hayden has expressed concerns over the impact of David Warner’s retirement on Australia’s chances in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India. Warner, who recently retired from international cricket, played 112 Tests for Australia, amassing 8786 runs at an impressive average close to 45. His dynamic and aggressive style at the top of the order, according to Hayden, will be sorely missed.
Speaking at the Ceat Cricket Rating Awards in Mumbai, Hayden highlighted the void Warner's absence creates. "For the first time, it doesn't feel as secure," Hayden remarked. "David Warner gave a great service to Australian cricket. He was extremely competitive, wonderfully dynamic. His strike rates in excess of 70 gave great momentum to the top order, which is otherwise quite conservative. So, I think he's an enormous loss in terms of how do you replace them."
Warner’s record against India includes 1218 runs in 21 Tests at an average of 31.23, with all four of his centuries against them scored on home soil. Despite these figures, Hayden believes the challenge of filling Warner’s shoes goes beyond numbers, pointing out that the left-hander’s aggressive approach was key to Australia’s strategy.
The former opener also voiced his disagreement with the idea of using Steve Smith as an opener, a move that was trialed unsuccessfully earlier this year. "Steve Smith averages 56.97 with 32 Test match hundreds, but the role of an opening batsman compared to a middle-order batsman is very different," Hayden said. "I think it's crazy to move the world's best-in-class batter to a completely different position."
Hayden also praised Australian captain Pat Cummins, calling him a future legend. "He's a great of our game," Hayden said. "Pat has a very special leadership style and ability. It's very different from former Australian captains who had a more traditional approach. Pat operates on a model that brings out the best in individuals, making him an exceptional leader."
Looking ahead to the upcoming series, Hayden expressed his excitement for a five-Test series, something Australia and India haven’t played since 1991/92. "It's going to be an unbelievable series. Extending it to five Test matches makes it even more special. In five Tests, you get a chance to win, lose, and then come back to win again. I love it."
The much-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy will begin on November 22 in Perth, followed by Tests in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney. India, having won the last two series in Australia, will be keen to retain the trophy, while Australia will be eager to reclaim it after a decade-long wait.