Hayden can't escape Heat, back into Twenty20 kitchen

Prized Brisbane Heat recruit Matthew Hayden.

The Brisbane Heat have lured former Test opener Matthew Hayden out of retirement for the inaugural Big Bash League, which starts in December.

Hayden, who retired from Test cricket in January 2009 and has not picked up a bat in 12 months, today confirmed he would play for the Queensland franchise.

The burly Queenslander, who was the Indian Premier League’s top rungetter in 2009, is the 14^th player signed by the Heat.

Hayden declared he had little interest in playing Twenty20 cricket domestically while it was run by the existing state associations.

“I have had little interest in the T20 format domestically whilst it remained a state based format, which to me, was a pathway or development program to National interests,” Hayden said.

“But an eight-team Big Bash League structure – involving separate organisations running these entities with private equity stakeholders in the future – has launched the ‘Business and Cricket’ and relaunched my interest as a highly valuable business decision.

“I am exciting about being part of the Heat and the first ever Big Bash League and I will be doing my utmost to make the Heat a success both on and off the field.

“I am looking forward to getting back into top form and working with (Heat coach) Darren (Lehmann) and the Brisbane players.”

Hayden will have to step down as a Cricket Australia director and the Queensland Cricket Board, as current players are barred from holding such positions.

Lehmann was thrilled his former Test and ODI teammate signed with the Heat.

“I took no time at all to say ‘yes’ when the possibility of Matt playing for us was first floated,” he said.

“The man is a legend of our game and he brings so much to any team he plays for.”