All-time World ODI XI post-2000

#2) Matthew Hayden (Australia)

Matthew Hayden

Matthew Hayden is a former Australian international cricketer. His career spanned fifteen years. Hayden was a powerful and aggressive left-handed opening batsman, known for his ability to score quickly at both Test and one-day levels.

Some batsmen were feared more for both their presence and intent and Matthew Hayden without any doubt belonged to that crop of players. Hayden was a rare breed of cricketers who had an intimidating presence as well as intimidating gameplay. The fear that he induced in a bowler was exemplary.

He was also among the rarest of players from the 90s who adjusted fabulously to any format of the game, be it the T20 format or a Test match. A pure match-winner, Hayden was one of the pillars of Australia's golden era as he would bully bowlers with nonchalance at the top of the order. The biggest strength which Hayden had was that he could score quickly against both the pace and spin bowlers, a strength rarely seen.

Australia's World Cup titles in 2003 and 2007 which helped them complete a hat-trick of trophies, had Hayden's stamp on it, particularly in the latter tournament where he was just unstoppable.

In 161 matches for Australia, Hayden scored 6133 runs at a healthy average of 43.81 and a decent strike rate of almost 80.

He will be the second opener in the team.