Hayden top scores in practice match

BRISBANE, June 9 AAP - Test opener Matthew Hayden has continued his resurrection in the one-day arena by inspiring Australia to a commanding total in their practice match today against Queensland at Allan Border Field. Hayden, elevated to the one-day opening ranks during the recent one-day series in South Africa, top-scored with 78 as Australia raced to 7-226 off their 40 overs.

Hayden and fellow Queenslander Jimmy Maher, opening the innings in the absence of Adam Gilchrist, got Australia away to a flying start, putting on 85 runs in the first 12 overs before Maher was dismissed for 60 off 43 balls. Australia then experienced a mini-collapse, losing 4-12 with captain Ricky Ponting (3), Damien Martyn (1) and Darren Lehmann (0) all dismissed cheaply.

But Hayden and Michael Bevan (17) put on an 87-run partnership to provide a handy pointer to Australia's prospects for the opening Super Challenge series match against Pakistan in Melbourne on Wednesday.

Queensland off-spinner Nathan Hauritz produced his second stand-out performance with the ball in as many days, finished with 1-17 off eight overs.

Hauritz had stood out in a hammered Queensland attack in their practice match against Pakistan yesterday.