A lead of 260 will be good enough before declaring: Hayden

Sydney, Jan 5 (UNI) In-form batsman Mathew Hayden today predicted that his team would increase the lead to about 260 before declaring adding "we've got too many runs now".

Hayden (123) who overcame a nagging thigh injury to score his 29th- century and draw parity with Sir Don Bradman helped Australia to earn a lead of 213 on the penultimate day of the five-day Test said he was confident they already have enough to defeat India and secure a world-record equalling 16th victory.

Talking to newspersons after the fourth day's play Hayden said "We've given ourselves the best chance of winning, We can make up time, we're in there with a shot, which is great." and then predicted that Australia would increase the lead to about 260 before declaring but believed "we've got too many runs now".

About his injury, he said "I will wait to see how bad my leg problem is in the morning before deciding how to prepare for the third Test in Perth, starting January 16. I'm pretty sore and I'll just have to see how I pull up, It's the first time I've ever used a runner in a Test. It was ironic that Ricky Ponting, the captain, was running for me, I got a bit of a giggle out of that." He admitted that Ponting was offering plenty of advice while he batted. "I'm not sure who was doing the most talking, the captain or Michael Hussey," he said. "But I'd be an idiot not to listen." Only Ricky Ponting (33) and Steve Waugh (32) have more hundreds for Australia than Hayden, who also overtook Mark Waugh's mark of 8029 runs to become the fourth highest run-scorer in the country's history.

"The Don was an incredible personality in the game and he didn't play anywhere near as much as we do," Hayden said. "But it was significant when I passed his runs and it was significant when I passed his highest score. I very humbly accept these privileges and know how privileged I am to touch Bradman.

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