Former Australian opener Matthew Hayden He strongly criticized Australia’s batting structure and coaching the team’s defeat in the Boxing Day Test On 29 December 2025 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
Speaking after Australia’s loss to England, Hayden spoke about batting coach Michael Di Venutoquestions its long-term impact on the technical development of the side.
Despite already leading the Ashes series 3-1, Australia suffered a stunning four-wicket defeat in just two days. The hosts were dismissed on a surface that matched 152 and 132 stitches.
Hayden calls Australia’s scorecard “unacceptable”.
Speaking on the All Over Bar The Cricket podcast, Hayden didn’t hold back when analyzing Australia’s batting failures. He argued that the pitch conditions were no excuse for the technical shortcomings shown by the top and middle order.
“That’s unacceptable. I don’t care if it’s 50 millimeters of grass. You’ve got to be better than that,” Hayden said. He specifically mentioned his name Travis Head, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Osman KhawajaAlex Carey and Cameron Green as emerging players “at sea” against pace bowling.
According to Hayden, Australia’s bowlers looked more technically sound than their batting, a situation of deep concern at Test level.
While stressing it was not a personal attack, the former opener questioned whether Di Venuto’s influence had really benefited Australia’s Test batting line-up.
“I’m not a fan of it. It’s nothing personal. I just think there’s been an influence around batting in this group for too long and I don’t think it serves the development of the team or the technical element of Test cricket,” Hayden said.
He further argued that Australia’s struggles were not limited to the green wickets at home but extended to overseas conditions, particularly in the subcontinent where adaptation and refined technique were essential.
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‘You didn’t see Ricky Ponting batting at three’: Hayden
Hayden highlighted accountability as the missing ingredient in Australia’s batting approach. compared the existing structure with previous generations led by figures such as Ricky Pontinghas suggested in the past that older players will not tolerate repeated technical errors.
“You didn’t see Ricky Ponting batting at three like Marnus Labuschagne, taking the wicket. No chance.” Hayden noted that former teammates and older players would intervene.
He also criticized what he saw as a rigid mentality based on conditions, arguing that players should adapt rather than default to predetermined methods.
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