Dean Jones left behind a 'Pakistan' legacy that will last for generations to come: Matthew Hayden

Australian batting great Matthew Hayden has said that he would like to emulate Dean Jones and leave behind a lasting legacy with Pakistan cricket. Hayden has been appointed as the batting coach of the Babar Azam-led side.

Hayden has now revealed that Dean Jones’ closing words to him are still ringing in his ears. Adding that Jones was beautifully connected to Pakistan cricket, Hayden stated that Jones has left behind his legacy with Pakistan cricket that will last for generations to come.

Hayden also added that if he can add value to these words from Dean Jones, he would be extremely honoured. Dean Jones passed away last year in September.

“Dean’s closing words to me I can hear in my ears were. These are my boys. This is something I’m so passionate about’. He was just beautifully connected to Pakistan Cricket.

May he rest in peace now, knowing that fact that he’s left a legacy within this team, which will last not only this generation but generations to come. If I can add any value to those closing comments from Deano, that would be my greatest honour,” said Hayden ahead of the second semi-final between Pakistan and Australia.

I was a warrior of Australian cricket for two decades: Matthew Hayden

Pakistan will take on Australia in the second semi-final of the 2021 edition of the T20 World Cup on 11th November 2021, and Hayden said that it is an unusual feeling for him to be facing his own side while being on the opposite camp. Adding that he was the warrior of Australian cricket for two decades, the 50-year-old Hayden concluded by stating that he knows the culture of cricket in Australia.

“It’s a very unusual feeling. I was a warrior for Australian cricket over two decades, so that does give me the benefit of having wonderful insights not only into these players but also into the culture of cricket in Australia,” concluded Hayden.