Matthew Hayden - Stats Analysis (Tests)

The Home/Away Dichotomy

Let me state at the very outset for the title may suggest otherwise, Hayden was a fine overseas player. 9 overseas centuries at an average of 43 are good numbers in any era.

This analysis is not about making an overarching statement than it is about pointing out an interesting trend in the Southpaw's stellar career, and I will restrict his career span to start from the 2001 India tour.

Not so deadly in overseas conditions towards the end of his career

Till July 2004, Hayden was menacing on overseas wickets. He followed up his successes of the India tour with good performances in UAE and Sri Lanka. Till the end of this phase, Hayden averaged more than 60 in overseas Tests.

But, as his averaged started to dip, his circumspectness on overseas wickets increased. From here on till the end of his career, Hayden averaged only 34 overseas with only 2 centuries which is surprising given the fact that he played spin bowling better than most batsmen in his team.