• Adam Gilchrist believes that Matthew Hayden’s success with Pakistan is the result of enthusiasm
• Hayden, who served as the team’s batting adviser during their journey to the semifinals of the 2021 T20 World Cup
• Pakistan will play England in Melbourne on Sunday

Adam Gilchrist, a legendary Australian wicketkeeper-batsman, believes that Matthew Hayden’s success with Pakistan as their team manager in the 2022 Men’s T20 World Cup is the result of enthusiasm and unwavering devotion from his old opening partner.

As Pakistan’s team mentor in the present championship event, the unflappable Hayden, regarded as one of Australia’s finest openers ever, has fit like a glove. The team was saved by Hayden, who was brought in by PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja, and is now facing England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday in the championship game.

“I would say his passion and his unconditional commitment to the role, which has been obvious for everyone to see. Those little snippets show just how much he invests himself into any commitment that he has, any relationship that he has.”

“So it’s far from just being a job opportunity to earn some money and get a nice resume built up around coaching and consulting. It’s something he takes very seriously, as would Mike Hussey with England,” Gilchrist

With 5,409 runs at an average of 47.44, the Gilchrist-Hayden ODI combo continues to be Australia’s most productive opening duo. Gilchrist, who is currently a member of the commentary crew for the competition, recounted an incident that occurred off the field that solidified his belief in Hayden’s significant influence on the Pakistan team.

“On the evidence, my son and I were going through the airport after the Adelaide games and the Pakistan team was in transit and they were all just hanging around Haydos. Hanging on every word. It was amazing. I think that just summed it up. The pride and the passion he has in any role he takes on.”

Former left-handed hitter Hayden, who served as the team’s batting adviser during their journey to the semifinals of the 2021 T20 World Cup in the UAE, says that tutoring Pakistan this year and imparting his wisdom to Babar Azam & Co. has been a satisfying experience for him.

“In speaking with him, what’s really impressed him and he’s found quite enjoyable from his role, and his perspective of the role, is just how eager the Pakistan players are to try and absorb any information from him.”

“Any knowledge, any experience he was able to garner from a hall-of-fame career, particularly around World Cups, playing so successfully and dominantly in a couple of World Cups. He says they’re just like sponges, eager to learn and tap into that.”

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