Hayden's Innings Ends

As you probably know by now, Matthew Hayden has today announced his retirement from cricket - both for Australia and for Queensland.


Much has already been written about this:
Hayden calls time on stellar career
Matthew Hayden: domestic dominator to global giant
Langer hails 'best ever opener' Hayden
Hayden draws stumps

I watched the media conference on tv, and the standout comment was when he paid tribute to his fellow opening batsmen Adam Gilchrist and Justin Langer - and to Australian captain Ricky Ponting. He credits these players with helping him learn about "challenge, strength and companionship".

It also turns out that during his early years (when he was immensely successful for Queensland, but constantly denied a position in the Australian team) Hayden took advice from rugby league coach Wayne Bennett. Simply put - "Don't get bitter, just get better".

This is part of why sport is great. The lessons learnt are not just good for sport - they are also good for life.
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ps. from a replay, i've picked up the exact quote i referred to earlier.

"The partnerships that i've forged have been significant partnerships of life. They've taught me the value of great character, of strength and of companionship. It's been great!"