For Matthew Hayden, life is just beginning to take shape as he contemplates a range of options in the post-retirement period, from becoming a player advocate to unearthing Australia's next aboriginal Test cricketer.
Hayden, who announced his decision to retire from international cricket on Tuesday, wants to play a major role in helping Australian cricketers deal with the social issues of being away from their families for long periods.
The 37-year-old former opener, wants it to be a key component when Australian cricket's next Memorandum of Understanding gets debated upon.
"There has never been a greater need within this next MOU to address some of the social issues within the game, guys that are away from their homes and families and friends for up to 10 months of the year," said Hayden.
The burly Australian opener is also keen to help a new generation of indigenous sportsmen earn a baggy green cap.
Former Australia fast bowler Jason Gillespie, the great-grandson of a Kamilaroi warrior, is the first aboriginal Test cricketer.
"I have no intentions of turning my back on our great game," Hayden said.
{{/usCountry}}"I have no intentions of turning my back on our great game," Hayden said.
{{/usCountry}}"I share the dream with Australian cricket in creating greater ... Opportunities throughout Australia in the quest to find out our next indigenous Australian cricketer to wear and don the baggy green."
Hayden, meanwhile, also revealed that daughter Grace wanted him to continue for another year.
"At one stage on Saturday afternoon I was picking this crazy bush of wild tomatoes that we had and I was with Grace at the time," Hayden was quoted as saying in the 'Courier Mail'.