CRICKET WORLD

Matthew Hayden insists 50-over cricket is a "great game" and a supreme test of talent which must be treasured at all costs.

The former Australia opener and dual World Cup-winner is one of the stars of the Indian Premier League, and a fan of Twenty20 cricket too.

But he does not subscribe to a perceived consensus that 50-over cricket may be or should be an endangered species, as the Twenty20 revolution gathers a relentless pace.

Hayden, who also warns against allowing the mooted innovation of day-night Test cricket to undermine traditions more precious than many realise, believes the only danger to 50-over cricket is a lack of good sense from schedulers.

"I think there is room within the cricket calendar for all three products," said the 38-year-old, who played 273 times for his country across all formats.

"Fifty-over cricket is a great game.

"The only trouble with 50-over cricket is sometimes having too much of it - seven matches in a series against one opposition, as sometimes happens, is just unacceptable.

"We have to understand that more is not better - because unless we do that, we will discourage people from watching a great form of cricket."

Hayden, disagreeing with views voiced by several of his peers and most recently New Zealand wicketkeeper-batsman Brendon McCullum, has no common ground either with those who complain about the boredom in the 'middle overs' of one-day international and List A cricket.

"I think it is during that time that you actually test the talent," he said.

"An average athlete can sometimes get away with it in Twenty20, even Test cricket. But in 50-over cricket, if you are not on the ball completely throughout all those overs you will be found out - and so will your team.

"Those overs are not always going to be everyone's cup of tea - but they are intriguing and fascinating."

As for Test matches, espoused by the International Cricket Council as the pinnacle of the sport, Hayden is wary of an agenda apparently intent on introducing floodlights and pink balls.

His doubts are not about the feasibility of the format - as voiced last week by former England captain Michael Vaughan, who is unconvinced a pink ball will be visible enough under lights - but in the wisdom of a concept he thinks may take away more than it adds.

"I would always try to ensure Test cricket is a brand that represents tradition and age-old customs," he said.

"I am not looking for innovation with that brand.

"To that end, I would protect what we have; be careful about the venues where it is played; keep it special.

"Innovations in cricket are important. But that is why you have one-day and Twenty20 cricket."

Hayden is well aware of the commercial potential of floodlit Tests but, on balance, believes there is something even more valuable in what already exists.

"I understand the thinking behind playing Test cricket day-night, and the interest that would be likely to generate with broadcasters - with matches live in prime time.

"But I think the tradition is more important to the brand."

He wa a good cricketer ..