Hayden pondering his future in Tests

Sydney, Nov 20 (UNI) Opener Matthew Hayden, who is just one match away from his 100th Test, has asserted that his participation in the Ashes cricket tour next year would depend on the ongoing Test against New Zealand at Gabba.

''I think this game is going to tell me that,'' Hayden said while replying to a question whether he will be around for a remarkable fifth Ashes tour next year.

The 37-year-old Hayden, who had recurring injuries and a poor start to the four-Test series in India, had critics questioning his future in Australian top-order.

But, Hayden said he still has no plans to hang up his boots.

''It's not part of my equation just yet. There're two answers that I need to say to me, before I present myself for Australia.

''One of them is am I willing to make sacrifices to be best athlete I can be, whatever that takes? The second is, is that fire burning within me to play good cricket for Australia?'' Hayden was quoted as saying by 'Sydney Morning Herald'.

''At the moment, man in mirror is saying have a crack at both of them, I think you're ready to play,'' he said.

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