I just wanna say a few words about Haydos (Matthew Hayden).

There has been a lot said about him in the press recently, and I want to set the record straight.

I still think he is a great leader, and he can offer a lot more Australia. - and I hope that he will go through to the Ashes series. He is a champion player and a great bloke

Obviously playing on Boxing Day was really painful – but I had to do it.

I will go into surgery on (Saturday, January 3) and we are basically looking at least 6-8 weeks.

It is an opportunity for me to give the foot a good clean out and get rid of all the muck.

I am definitely looking to be back for the Ashes Series, and I hope to be, but that is not to say that I will not be back sooner.

I always try to make a positive out of a negative, and I think it will give my body the opportunity to rest.

I haven’t really felt strong since the Giardia infection –it will give me the chance to get fit and get back to my best.

I am looking forward to getting into the gym and putting the weight back on.

And then seeing how I go when I am back at 100 per cent.