Embattled Australian opener Matthew Hayden has sought former South African captain Kepler Wessels' advice on when to end his cricket career amid the ever-increasing scrutiny of his place in the side.
The 37-year-old big-hitting left-hander developed a close rapport with Wessels during his stint with Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League.
"He played under me at the Chennai Super Kings and we spent a lot of time together. We had some good chats," said Wessels, who coached the IPL finalists, was quoted as saying by The Sunday Telegraph.
"We talked about his future. When you get to the stage of his career, you always end up talking about what's happening and what you're thinking because I've been through it," he added.
Wessels said Hayden, struggling for form this season, was going through an uncertain phase but seemed eager to continue as long as his fitness allowed.
"The impression I got was that he was still pretty keen, he still wanted to play. He wasn't entirely sure how long he wanted to go, but he felt the end of the Ashes was his goal," he revealed.
"I told him he was playing well and working well. I could see he was enjoying it. I said, 'you're a long time retired, so go as long as you can'. Matt was brilliant at Chennai. He worked very hard, he was such a good influence and the fact we made the final had a lot to do with him. His work ethic typified to me that he still loves the game," he added.
{{/usCountry}}"I told him he was playing well and working well. I could see he was enjoying it. I said, 'you're a long time retired, so go as long as you can'. Matt was brilliant at Chennai. He worked very hard, he was such a good influence and the fact we made the final had a lot to do with him. His work ethic typified to me that he still loves the game," he added.
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