By IANS
Melbourne : Opener Mathew Hayden, who Wednesday scored his 19th century at home – he now has 28 in all – may have done a lot of scoring at the top but he is also hoping the last pair Stuart Clark and Mitchell Johnson add a few more.
The big-built opener, who achieved a whole lot of new landmarks, said Australia is in a good position after the first day’s play, despite handing over the initiative to India after a good start.
“We are in a good position. 330 runs on the first day is a good score, but I hope Clarke and Johnson can add a few more runs tomorrow morning,” he said after the day’s play.
The burly 36-year-old Queenslander continued his love affair with the MCG as he slammed a magnificent 124 Wednesday. He has now made a century in every Boxing Day Test since 2001-02 except against Pakistan three seasons ago.
“I am very happy today to have scored the century. To achieve something on this special day is memorable as all your friends and family are around to witness it,” he said. “The start which I and Phil got under difficult conditions was really special.”
Hayden also issued a warning to his team’s quick bowl bowlers stating that anything short on this track will be bread and butter for the likes of Tendulkar, Dravid and Ganguly.
“The wicket here is not at all conducive for short bowling. However, driving is difficult in this pitch, so it won’t be easy for Indian batsmen if our swing bowlers stick to their task,” he said.
“In the next three days, the weather will deteriorate, however, Day 2 and Day 3 will be best for batting,” he added.
Hayden’s 28th century was his fourth against and his figure of 28 hundreds is now only third behind Ricky Ponting (33) and Don Bradman (29).
The sixth batsman to score more than 1,000 runs at MCG, Hayden clearly loves the MCG as it was his sixth – second only to Bradman’s nine — at the venue and the third in last three innings. He earlier scores 137 vs. South Africa in 2005-06 and 153 vs. England in 2006-07 before the latest one against India. Hayden scored 136 and 53 not out, the last time he played India at the MCG in 2003-04.