Matthew Hayden Hits Australia's Cricketers For Six

Matthew Hayden has not held back, questioning the culture of Australia's current cricketers.

The former Test opener was critical of the national men's team, arguing that Cricket Australia has been 'led around by the players'.

Hayden's criticism comes days after CA released the squad for the upcoming tour of Pakistan with big names Pat Cummins, David Warner, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood all not named in the 16-man squad for the three ODIs and a T20.

"When players are choosing not to play for their country it is a massive flag of concern for your high-performance set-up,'' Hayden told News Corp.

"I just don't reckon it passes the pub test. The single biggest thing which ties everything together at that level is that you are all really keen to play for your country and if you haven't got that, I actually question whether you have a high-performance culture at all."

"It just makes it so hard to build all the things you are trying to have like team values, principles, giving a s*** about your mates."

"I just feel Cricket Australia is being led around by the players lately and that has created a unique set of problems."

Hayden, who was also scathing of CA's handling of Justin Langer's departure as head coach, also suggested contracted cricketers should have their salary slashed if they opt out of an international series.

"You shouldn't be able to cherry-pick when you want to play for Australia," he said. "It doesn't make any sense to me.

"We all know how important the IPL is and it has its window and I know it can be difficult for players and administrators to operate within the confines of modern schedules, but I still think you can't have your cake and eat it.

"If you are unavailable to play for Australia, there must be some accountability. You shouldn't be paid for work you don't do and should have to salary sacrifice.

Alamy

"People will say that I played IPL, which is true, but it never had an any effect on my availability playing for Australia."

"I couldn't wait to play for Australia because I spent seven years where I couldn't get in the bloody team.''

Topics: Cricket, Australia

Ryan Rosendale

Ryan Rosendale is a journalist for SPORTbible Australia. A self-professed sports-tragic, Ryan grew up loving all things Aussie sport. While that's still the case, Ryan also keeps a close eye on all things American sports, including his die-hard love for pro wrestling. While he played sport when he was younger, Ryan well and truly believes he is better covering the professionals.

@RosendaleRyan