Australian cricket legend Matthew Hayden has expressed concerns that the national team will sorely miss the dynamism and consistency of David Warner in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy. This major cricketing event, set to take place later this year, sees Australia square off against India in a much-anticipated series. Warner, who has recently retired from international cricket, leaves a significant void in the squad. Over his illustrious career, Warner featured in 112 Test matches for Australia, amassing 8786 runs with an impressive average close to 45.
“For the first time, it doesn’t feel as secure,” remarked Hayden, who was himself a left-handed opening batsman like Warner, on Wednesday. “David Warner provided excellent service to Australian cricket. He was extremely competitive and wonderfully dynamic. He built upon the legacy that I had established throughout the 2000s. His strike rates, often exceeding 80 (precisely 70.19), provided immense momentum to an otherwise conservative top order. Therefore, his absence is an enormous loss, and it’s challenging to know how we can replace him.”
Warner’s contributions against India have been notable as well. He participated in 21 Test matches against the Indian team, scoring 1218 runs at an average of 31.23, which includes four centuries—all of them on home soil in Australia, where he totaled 760 runs in 10 Tests.
During his visit to Mumbai for the Ceat Cricket Rating Awards, Hayden also voiced concerns over the potential inclusion of Steve Smith as an opener in the Australian squad. “The rationale that George Bailey [chief selector] provided was sound. He believed it was about selecting the best six players for the top order,” Hayden explained. “It’s hard to argue with that logic. Steve Smith’s Test match average is 56.97, and he has 32 centuries to his name. However, the role of an opening batsman is quite different from that of a middle-order batsman. We saw this earlier in the year in New Zealand, where Smith as an opener wasn’t particularly successful.
. I mentioned then that I didn’t favor the change. Expecting the world’s top-class batsman to adjust to a completely different position is rather unreasonable.”
Hayden also commented on the leadership qualities of Pat Cummins, suggesting that he could become one of the greatest captains in Australian cricket history. Cummins has already led Australia to victories in both the Cricket World Cup and the World Test Championship (WTC). “He’s an exceptional player,” Hayden said of Cummins. “His leadership style and capabilities are quite unique. Unlike the former Australian captains, who often operated on a ‘carrot and stick’ approach, Cummins encourages individual preparation and excels in getting the best out of each player. This is quite crucial in a team sport like cricket where individual performances matter. I’ve been closely observing this team for the last two years; they are a close-knit unit under his leadership. Pat is truly a great leader and will be remembered as one of our finest.”
Hayden further highlighted the significance of having a five-Test series against India, noting it would be “unbelievable” and more enriching than shorter series. “A five-Test series brings a different level of excitement and strategy,” Hayden said. “In three-match series, there’s often a feeling of incompletion; four-match series bring uncertainty. But with five Tests, you have a chance to win, lose, and even make a comeback. The extended format adds so much more depth and opportunity. It’s going to be a fantastic series.”
Since 1991/92, India and Australia have not played a five-Test series against each other. This year’s series is set to commence in Perth on November 22. It will be followed by matches in Adelaide (starting December 6), Brisbane (December 14), Melbourne (December 26), and Sydney (January 3). Notably, India has won the last two series in Australia, in 2018/19 and 2020/21. Australia, on the other hand, hasn’t held the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for over a decade, not since the home series of 2014/15.
As fans eagerly await the epic showdown between these two cricketing giants, Hayden’s insights underscore both the challenges and the potential for a thrilling series, especially with the departure of key players like David Warner.