Hayden still positive

Australia opener Matthew Hayden has banished any thoughts of retirement despite the vultures circling due to his lack of form.

The 37-year-old, once one of the most feared batsmen in world cricket, has struggled for form of late and has scored just 56 runs in his last six innings.

With just one Test of the current series against South Africa remaining, it may be that the left-hander has just two innings at Sydney to save his international career.

But Hayden is remaining positive and insists that his thoughts have not turned towards hanging up his boots just yet.

"I'm not sure going after you lose a series, in the middle of the series, would be the right time to go. There's absolutely no doubt about that," he said.

"So I didn't think about it for a minute."

And the veteran of 102 Tests has made it clear that he will not wallow in self pity but work hard to try and keep his pace in the side.

"I've never been first picked in the side and that's held me in good stead because I think 'wow I've got to play well'," he added.

"That's been a great needle in my side that's agitated me to make sure I'm working harder than anyone else.

"I've been written off many times before and really loved and thrived on the fact I've come back and enjoyed playing Test match cricket for Australia."