Matthew Hayden to return to Australia

Australian opening batsman Matthew Hayden will return to Australia from the VB Tour of the West Indies after not recovering sufficiently from the right achilles tendon injury which ruled him out of last week's first Test in Kingston.

Cricket Australia physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said the decision to send Hayden home was made in order to ensure his fitness during Australia's upcoming international schedule.

"Matthew Hayden's right Achilles tendon injury has not made sufficient progress during his time in the West Indies and as such he will not be able to participate in the second Test and was highly unlikely to be available for the third Test. With the large volume of cricket to be played over the next 18 months it was decided he should return to Australia to undergo rehabilitation and consult specialists. This means he will not be available for the five one-day internationals against the West Indies."

Cricket Australia National Selection Panel Chairman Andrew Hilditch, currently with the side in the West Indies, said:

"It is obviously disappointing for Matthew and the Australian cricket side, but the priority now is for Matthew to return home, get specialist advice and commence preparation for a return to cricket for the Top End Tour against Bangladesh, the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan and our forthcoming tour to India.

"It means that Brad Hodge will remain with the side which is richly deserved given his strong performance in the first Test. We will be meeting in the next few days to discuss Matthew's replacement for the one-day tour of the West Indies," Hilditch concluded.