Brisbane, January 13:

One of Australia’s greatest opening batsmen Matthew Hayden called stumps today on one of international cricket’s most imposing careers.

The 37-year-old batsman’s retirement was widely anticipated after his struggling form in Australia’s recent series losses. But the powerfully-built Hayden will be remembered as one of the modern-day cricketing titans, amassing 8,625 runs in 103 Tests at an impressive average of 50.74.

His exit further strips the transitional Australian cricket team of another big-name star, following the retirements of celebrated teammates, Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, Justin Langer and Adam Gilchrist in the last two years. Only skipper Ricky Ponting remains of the players who twice (from 1999-2001 and 2006-2008) won a record 16 Tests in succession.

Hayden’s decision comes against the backdrop of meagre returns in Australia’s back-to-back series losses to India and South Africa. Hayden had been desperately trying to cling onto his spot for a final Ashes series in England in mid-year before retiring from the game. He was recently left out of the Twenty20 and one-day teams. Yet Hayden leaves with 30 Test centuries, which ranks him sixth all-time behind Indian Sachin Tendulkar’s 41.

Hayden’s 380 against Zimbabwe in Perth in October 2003 stands second only to West Indian Brian Lara’s 400 not out as the highest individual innings in Test. He formed with Justin Langer one of Australia’s more durable opening partnerships in Test cricket. Langer and Hayden ranked second only to West Indian opening pair Gordon Greenidge and Desmond Haynes for most combined runs in Test.

Hayden also played 161 one-day internationals, amassing 6,133 runs at an average of 43.81. He played in two World Cups, in South Africa in 2003 and in the West Indies in 2007.