Matthew Hayden says he is looking forward to what he believes is the biggest challenge for an Australian cricketer - a tour of India.
Veteran to put experience to good use in India
Matthew Hayden says he is looking forward to what he believes is the biggest challenge for an Australian cricketer - a tour of India.
The 36-year-old, who has been out of action since March, believes his experience of previous trips to the sub-continent are the ideal preparation for the upcoming four-Test series.
The opening batsmen was revelation on his first trip to India in 2001, scoring 549 runs in three Tests with two centuries and another two half-centuries, and has gone on to average 61 in a total of seven matches.
"The Indian series is one of the great challenges in cricket and I feel up to it mentally," he said. "I am feeling very comfortable and confident with my game at the moment. The previous tours here have been actually the greatest preparation for me."
The left-hander's ability to play spin has proven his greatest asset on the slow, turning pitches and he will be expected to play a leading role for his side once more.
"Being at the spin camp in Chennai in the late 1990s helped me," he added. "It was very useful. From that experience, I was able to formulate a game plan and batting strategy on what is the mindset of a spinner.
"I practised a variety of shots, tried out lots of options and planned my game against spin. That (the sweep) was something I practised a lot for the previous series as the scoring shot against spinners.
"It has worked very well for me and I will continue to do that."
The first Test starts in Bangalore on October 9 with further matches in Mohali, New Delhi and Nagpur.
