Matthew Hayden has expressed strong support for Sam Konstas and Matt Renshaw as Australia prepares for the third and final Test in its current series against South Africa in Cape Town. Hayden described Konstas as a “bloody exciting” talent with potential for a long-term role in the national team, following the batsman’s recent prolific form in domestic and Australia A matches. Konstas, who has struggled in his initial five Test appearances with an average of just 16, has scored heavily of late, including innings of 67 for Australia A against India A, and 71, 151 not out, and 149 for New South Wales. These performances have prompted speculation about his possible recall for the forthcoming home series against New Zealand.

Hayden, a former elite Australian batsman himself, noted Konstas’s athleticism, fearless approach, and versatility in the field as key attributes that make him a promising prospect. “He is a great athlete. You can’t coach that. He has great hand-eye coordination. There is a lot to like about Sam,” Hayden said, adding that he expects Konstas to “rise again” in Test cricket.

In addition to Konstas, Hayden advocated for Matt Renshaw to be retained as an opener for the upcoming Test. Renshaw, who has batted in multiple positions across his 17-Test career, including at No.5 where he boasts a higher average, is seen by Hayden as a natural fit at the top of the order. Hayden highlighted Renshaw’s ability to rotate the strike, leave the ball well, and play both defensively and aggressively as strengths suited for the opening role. While acknowledging Renshaw was dismissed by a delivery from Kagiso Rabada in the previous Test, Hayden regarded that as a high-quality dismissal, contrasting it with less disciplined mistakes made by other batsmen. He also expressed frustration over Renshaw’s inconsistent batting positions and underscored the importance of stability in the opener’s role.

Meanwhile, Australia’s squad management confirmed that Cameron Green will return to the side for the decisive Test as a specialist batter. Green was sidelined for the first two matches due to an unusual abdominal injury sustained during batting practice after being struck in the groin and subsequently suffering a tear while playing a shot. Despite initial uncertainty about his fitness, Green has rehabilitated steadily over the past two weeks and has been cleared to play, with the expectation he will slot into the middle order. Green himself linked the injury’s cause to the sequence of events in the net session, explaining that the initial impact made his abdominal muscles vulnerable to strain as he played the subsequent shot.

Hayden also reflected on the recent string of dismissals of fellow batsman Marnus Labuschagne in the 30s, drawing parallels to similar challenges he faced early in his career and crediting support from his brother and coach for overcoming the hurdle.

As Australia looks ahead to the series-deciding Test, these selections and form updates indicate a focus on consolidating their batting order with experienced and emerging players alike.