Hayden set for retirement

Matthew Hayden has reportedly decided to end his international career. The 37-year-old was expected to officially announce his retirement at a press conference in Brisbane overnight.

According to The Australian, Hayden had decided the time was right. "It's the time for us to move on," Hayden said. "It's nothing in particular [that has caused it], we are in a really good place right now. It's just time to move into other areas of our life."

Hayden was expected to receive an emotional farewell with a lap of honour in front of his home crowd at the Gabba before today's second Twenty20 international between Australia and South Africa. Hayden, who played 103 Tests, struggled to make an impact this summer against New Zealand and South Africa at home, scoring just 149 runs at 16.55 from five matches.

The decision comes after the veteran opener was dropped from Australia's one-day and Twenty20 squads for this current series against the Proteas. Hayden had hoped to push on for the tour to South Africa next month and the Ashes in England later this year. Hayden's exit leaves only Ricky Ponting and Brett Lee standing from the Australian side that dominated cricket from the mid-1990s until this year.

The Australian chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch had reportedly hoped Hayden could continue to the Ashes but he appears to have changed his mind following the recent Sydney Test against South Africa. Hilditch said yesterday that the loss of form of Brett Lee, Michael Hussey and Hayden contributed to the series losses against India and South Africa.

England will have mixed feelings about Hayden's retirement. While the opener had a tremendous Test record – he scored 8625 runs at an average of 50.73 – his average in England was notably less impressive. Hayden's decision also opens the door for a younger player to stake a claim although Phil Jaques, 29, is favourite.

Other contenders include New South Wales' left-handed batsman Phillip Hughes, 20, and Chris Rogers, who played against India in Perth last year. Dave Warner, who smashed a remarkable 89 from 43 balls during Australia's Twenty20 win over South Africa in Melbourne, can also not be ruled out.