T20 World Cup: Hayden prepares for “unusual” World Cup reunion with friend and opponent Langer
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Matthew Hayden and Justin Langer, who formed one of the most enduring and destructive initial collaborations in Test cricket, will become rivals on Thursday when Pakistan face Australia to secure a place in the 2021 T20 World Cup final.
Both now in their 50s have found new outlets for their competitive nature: Hayden as a batting consultant with Pakistan and Langer as Australia coach.
“It’s a very unusual feeling,” Hayden admitted Wednesday.
“I’ve been an Australian cricket warrior for two decades, so that benefits me from having a wonderful perspective on Australian cricket culture not only about these players.”
Hayden and Langer were the basis of the Australian side for the better part of a decade.
They premiered together in 2001 at The Oval and last came out next to each other at the Sydney Cricket Ground in 2007.
READ: T20 World Cup: Australian captain Finch has a “key” fight with Afridi
In between, they put together 5,655 runs when they opened together, a record that spanned six centuries. Their average was a shadow under 52 years old.
The two men finished their careers with more than 100 tests and race bags – Hayden broke 8,625 and Langer broke 7,696.
Hayden has admitted that Thursday’s clash will draw heart and memories.
“From my point of view I think it is a challenge for the heart, a challenge for the mind in terms of what will happen in the next 24 hours,” he said.
“But I will also be very proud to say that it has been wonderful to be a part of Pakistani cricket. We have some great young players, a mix of wonderful experienced players in our squad, and they and the team are doing great.”
READ: T20 World Cup finals: Australia’s challenge against undefeated Pakistan
‘These are my boys’
As a coach, Langer has endured difficult times in recent times.
The former opener took office in 2018 after South Africa’s famous “Sandpaper-gate” ball handling tour and was highly praised for rebuilding Australian cricket culture.
But the unrest in the locker room has never been far behind and this year he had to deal with negative opinions about his management style, which ended in crisis conversations with players and general managers.
Against an undefeated Pakistan on Thursday and the ashes on the ground at home will only increase the pressure.
“Justin Langer and I are in similar positions as long as a national coach or batsman doesn’t win a cricket match,” Hayden said.
“The 11 involved in the game win the game, and we’re just substitutes.”
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Hayden says he wants to leave a lasting legacy with the Pakistani team, helping to secure the 2009 T20 world title to continue his 2009 victory.
In this regard, he paid a moving tribute to former Australian star Dean Jones, who provided many coaches and comments to Pakistan.
Jones died suddenly at the age of 59 in Mumbai in September 2020.
“Those were the final words I hear in Dean’s ears,” Hayden recalled, “‘These are my boys. This is something I’m very passionate about.’ which will last not only in this generation, but also in future generations.
“If I were to add value to Dean’s closing remarks, that would be my greatest honor.”
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