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Hayden wants Warner dropped for first Test

By Martin Smith, Yahoo!7 Updated October 26, 2012, 7:20 pm

Test legend Matthew Hayden says opener David Warner should not be included in Australia’s squad for the first Test against South Africa at the Gabba.

Speaking exclusively to 7 News, Hayden has called for Shane Watson to move back to the opening role alongside Ed Cowan to make room for a four-man pace attack.

Warner has had a hit-and-miss start to his Test career, registering 590 runs from nine Tests at an average of just over 42.

He burst onto the scene last summer with memorable centuries against New Zealand and India, but Hayden prefers Cowan’s steady-as-she-goes approach to Warner’s unpredictability.

"(Cowan) can craft an innings out, it gives stability at the top," Hayden said.

Cowan, himself an international rookie with just seven Tests to his name, saw his average dip below 30 in April’s series against the West Indies.

But Hayden says the 30-year-old has what it takes to face-up against South Africa’s brilliant fast-bowling quartet of Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel, Vernon Philander and all-rounder Jacques Kallis.

"And when the man in the mirror comes up and you’re looking at yourself thinking 'yeah, I’ve got to be able to handle this' that’s something that Ed will confront. But I think he will confront it well," Hayden said.

Hayden wants Australia to "fight fire with fire" and unleash a four-man pace attack of their own to counter South Africa's brilliant quicks.

The 40-year-old says Peter Siddle, Ben Hilfenhaus and Mitchell Starc must play, leaving James Pattinson and Pat Cummins to fight it out for the fourth fast-bowling spot.

Australia will announce their squad for the first Test on Monday.

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Ahad02:37pm Monday 29th October 2012 ESTReport Abuse
' Number 17 ', you do not need ' Fire & Brimstone ' as a no. 3 Batsman. Khawaja will be an ideal no. 3 Batsman - ROCK-SOLID - just like Amla / Dravid / Inzamam / Laxman - they are all cool & calm Players, rock-solid in defence, steadying the Ship after an early wicket. Of course they are all excellent Stroke-makers & will keep the score-board ticking. Khawaja's cool & calm & Rock-solid innings of 78 runs against the South African's Pace Battery last time he faced it, won us that Test Match - that Innings was worth a Century against any other Bowling attack existing in the world today. Watson should open, giving the space for Khawaja at no. 3. Dr. Ahad Khan
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01:15pm Monday 29th October 2012 EST Report Abuse
My Team David Warner Shane Watson Michael Clarke Peter Forrest Mike Hussey Steve O'Keefe Matt Wade Peter Siddle James Pattinson Mitchell Starc Pat Cummins
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Number1707:43am Saturday 27th October 2012 ESTReport Abuse
Khawaja is too steady, he'll never be quite the test player people will expect him to. You've got to have a bit of fire and brimstone and you have to know when to take on the attack if they are bowling rubbish at you.
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Brad07:36am Saturday 27th October 2012 ESTReport Abuse
warner got a test spot from slogging in 20/20 if he wasnt from nsw he would not have a spot. watson is lucky too as he can make 50's but rarely hundreds. look at someone like michael klinger and chris rogers piles runs after runs the last 4 years and cant get a look in where as steve smith, cameron white and ronald mcdonald get a game. anyways if jake haberfield doesn get a game for the aussies in odi's this year i will be stunned. plus haddin in the top 6 batsmen of this country you have got to be kidding steve waugh haddin is gone paine or ludeman to take wade's spot
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CHINAPOWER04:45am Saturday 27th October 2012 ESTReport Abuse
Yahoo7 your new website is all over the place! its Horrible,plz change it back!
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