Matthew Hayden retires from International Cricket

Under pressure from several quarters over his recent poor run in both formats of the game, Australian opener Matthew Hayden announced his retirement from international cricket. Hayden's illustrious 17-year cricket career came to an end. He will be given a farewell at Gabba, Brisbane later.

The 37-year-old Matthew Hayden played 103 test matches and scored 8,625 runs at an average of 50.73. He scored 30 hundreds and 29 half centuries in test cricket. in ODI, Hayden scored 6,133 runs in 161 matches at an average of 43.80. He scored 10 centuries and 36 half centuries.

Hayden took the decision of retirement after being ignored for the ODI and T20 matches against South Africa. In his last 10 test innings, Hayden managed to score just one fifty.

Andrew Strauss appointed as England's Skipper

After the resignation of Kevin Pietersen following his rift with coach Peter Moores (who also resigned), Andrew Statuss has been appointed as the skipper of England cricket team. Strauss, currently playing for Middlesex, has already played 55 test match and has scored at an average of more than 42.

The 31-year-old Andrew Staruss, who is considered as a dependable opener, will lead the England team on their forthcoming tour of the West Indies. The ECB is yet to find a replacement for Peter Moores.

England Cricket in Crisis, Pietersen and Moores resign

The power tussle between England skipper Kevin Pietersen and coach Moores, has taken an ugly turn, as both captain and coach resigned from their posts today. While Pietersen resigned, saying ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board) did not act quickly enough over the affair, Moores refused to comment over the issue. The ECB may come up with a formal statement over this issue later today.

Australia win Sydney Test, retains No.1 Slot in ICC Test Rankings

A fighting Australia won the third and final test match at Sydney, to salvage some pride after the series loss against South Africa on its soil for the first time. Australia won the match by 103 runs, but South Africa won the series 2-1. With this win, Australia managed to retain the No. 1 slot for the time being.

The South African team fought hard, but fell short in the absence of "Man of the Series", Graeme Smith, who suffered a fracture in the first innings. The braveheart Smith did return to the field with bandage, but did not last long. Chasing a victory target of 375, South Africa bowled out for 272. Amla scored 58, while De Villers made 56. Siddle took 3 wickets for Australia.

Scores: Australia 445 & 257/4 and South Africa 327 & 272