Matthew Hayden given chance to bid farewell at SCG

February 18, 2009 06:30pm

HE never got the chance to bid farewell in the way he wanted - but now Matthew Hayden will have one last hurrah in front of a packed house.

Hayden was last night confirmed as the latest to join Sunday's Twenty20 extravaganza at the SCG to raise funds for the Bushfires Appeal, teaming with Steve Waugh, Mark Taylor and Glenn McGrath in the star-studded line-up.

Hayden announced his retirement last month, days after his final Test against South Africa at the SCG.

No one knew as he left the arena whether it would be his last innings in the baggy green, but Sunday's fixture - dubbed Australia's Big Bash in which Taylor and Waugh will be opposing captains - gives him the chance for a more public farewell.

The event, for which tickets are moving fast, aims to raise more than $500,000 for the appeal to aid those devastated by the bushfires that have brought carnage to Victoria.

Sydney FC striker John Aloisi also joins the ranks of those more used to wielding the willow on a big stage and those who will definitely be out of their comfort zone. NRL star Benji Marshall will not be taking part as his problematic shoulders prevent him throwing a cricket ball.

Aloisi's inclusion means all of the four football codes are represented, with Braith Anasta and Anthony Minichiello (NRL), Phil Waugh and Lote Tuqiri (rugby) and Barry Hall (AFL).

http://www.news.com.au/perthnow/stor...005401,00.html