Hayden honoured at Gabba
13/01/2009 9:53 PM
Matthew Hayden has been honoured in spectacular style at the Gabba, performing a lap of honour during the innings break at the Twenty20 international between South Africa and Australia in Brisbane on Tuesday night.
Hayden, accompanied by his three children, was greeted with a standing ovation from the sell-out crowd at his home ground as he made his way around the Gabba in a blue Mustang.
Speaking to Channel Nine, the 37-year-old described the humbling sign of admiration from the crowd he 'loved playing in front of' as 'overwhelming'.
As a sea of camera flashes from spectators lit up the Gabba, Hayden showed he still had plenty of trademark quick wit, saying the only thing missing was a photo of him in the Mustang.
The message from the tens of thousands of fans that turned out to salute the legendary opening batsman was clear, one of gratitude for the 15 years of service to Australian cricket.
A simple but effective message of 'Thanks Matt' was displayed on the scoreboard, while plenty of fans brought banners of their own, with one labeling 'Hayden the Gabba God'.
As a sign of respect, a number of senior South African players made their way over to shake hands with Hayden before the resumption of play.
The whole Australian Twenty20 squad gave Hayden a standing ovation earlier today when the Queenslander announced his retirement to the media.