Hayden rested for two matches

Time for a break: Matthew Hayden has been offered some R&R © Getty Images Enlarge

The selectors have given Matthew Hayden a chance to recharge his tired body by resting him for Australia's first two VB Series matches. Hayden has struggled for the consistency that made him one of the game's most intimidating batsmen since the tour of India and looked in need of a break during the three-Test series against Pakistan.

"The selectors believe that this short lay-off should help Matthew as he prepares for the remainder of the VB Series and all other cricket that lies ahead," Trevor Hohns, the chairman of selectors, said. "We can always recall him earlier if the situation is deemed necessary."

During his past nine Tests Hayden has scored 504 runs at 33.60, more than 20 runs below his career average, and he made a brief appearance at No. 8 in the World Cricket Tsunami Appeal match before being stumped. Hayden will miss the matches against West Indies at Melbourne on Friday and against Pakistan at Hobart on Sunday.

Hohns said that other players would be rested during the tournament. "The 14-man squad will give us the flexibility to give players who have taken part in both forms of the game over the past few months a break from time to time."