Hayden determined to arrest ODI slide

Matthew Hayden is geared up to fight his way back into the one-day team after being axed for the VB Series final against Pakistan at the MCG. He has vowed to "give it his best" and storm back into contention.

"I see this personally as a temporary thing," said Hayden. "I will make sure that whatever it takes, I will fight my way back in. I don't feel like I've finished playing one-day cricket for Australia."

According to Trevor Hohns, the chairman of selectors, Hayden would remain in the one-day squad for the second final in Sydney tomorrow rather than return to Queensland, his state team. Hohns has also not ruled him out of contention for the upcoming New Zealand tour, saying that the door was still ajar for a batsman who has been among the world's best in recent seasons.

"He is still part of the squad, as is Michael Kasprowicz and Brad Hogg," said Hohns. "He is in contention for New Zealand, everyone is. We as a group of selectors haven't discussed that yet."

Hayden managed only 42 runs in his last four innings during the VB Series, and averaged just 21.73 over his past 11 innings. He had failed to score a hundred since the second final of the VB Series against India last season, 19 innings ago.

"It's been a difficult summer," said Hayden, "but it was only last year that I was the highest run-scorer in Australian domestic cricket and also third-highest in the world. It's a fickle and very fine game and we walk that rope all the time as players.

"I've definitely made it very clear, that I certainly want to be a part of the next little phase of cricket. We've got some incredibly important cricket coming up. The Mt Everest, which was seemingly India, has now become England. As I've said all along, I want to be a part of that."

Meanwhile, Hayden has received full support from his teammates. Adam Gilchrist, the Australian vice-captain and Hayden's erstwhile opening partner, has expressed disappointment over the axing of Hayden and is confident of his return to form.

"As Matty said, if you don't get runs you're going to be under pressure no matter who you are in the team," said Gilchrist. "So he's aware of that and he's going to set about trying to change that around and force his way back into the team. Hopefully, he should be in the squad for New Zealand."

Justin Langer, Hayden's good friend and partner-in-crime atop the Test-batting order, has also predicted a big comeback. "I'll be very surprised, given the way Matty's career has gone in the past - he's almost been Bradmanesque - if he doesn't see this as a great challenge that he will meet. Some great things can come from adversity and I know this will just make him more determined. I'll tell you what - some poor bowling attack out there is going to be in for a tough day very soon."