Opener makes it home before third child's birth

Hayden has big plans for Australia

Cricinfo staff

May 2, 2007

Matthew Hayden was the World Cup's leading batsman © AFP

Matthew Hayden landed back in Australia on Tuesday and immediately set his sights on building the next stage of the team's success. While four high-profile players have walked away over the past five months, Hayden has no plans to join them, especially after finishing as the World Cup's leading run-scorer.

"This side wants to stay together for a little bit longer," he said in the Courier-Mail. "We've got a job to do within cricket just to try and set it up for the next stage of Australian cricket. I don't think you'll see too many retirements over the next 12 months anyway." Glenn McGrath stepped down after winning his third consecutive World Cup trophy while Shane Warne, Justin Langer and Damien Martyn departed during the Ashes.

Hayden travelled back from the West Indies ahead of the team, which is due to land on Thursday, to be with his wife Kellie ahead of the birth of their third child. "This week she's due and she's hung on," he said. "To get a chance to see my family after winning a World Cup is pretty exciting. At the moment I can't even think of anything else other than my family."

The Australian squad will have a 45-minute reception at Sydney's Martin Place on Thursday at midday, which will include a special tribute for the retiring Glenn McGrath.

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