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Gilchrist throws support behind Hayden
Matthew Hayden was dumped in favour of Michael Clarke just before the first tri-series final match on Friday following a run of poor form.
Australian vice-captain and one-day opener Adam Gilchrist threw his support behind deposed colleague Matthew Hayden following his team's 18-run win over Pakistan in the first tri-series final in Melbourne on Friday.
Hayden, the established opener with Gilchrist, was dumped in favour of lower-order batsman Michael Clarke just before the match following a run of poor form.
Speaking after the game, Gilchrist said Hayden had been "extremely disappointed" to be dropped, but he was confident his regular opening partner would return.
"As Matty said today, if you don't get runs you're going to be under pressure no matter who you are in the team," he said.
"So he's aware of that and he's going to set about trying to change that around and force his way back into the team."
Gilchrist said he hoped Hayden would be a part of Australia's upcoming tour of New Zealand when it kicks off later this month with five one-day matches before a three Test series.
"I'd like to put my support behind Matty," he said.
"I'd love to see him involved and on the tour and given every chance... To get back into the team because he's still one of the best batsmen in Australia, if not the world.
"You don't lose that talent overnight -- you lose a bit of form -- and if anything, this highlights how wonderfully successful he has been over the last four years.
