Sydney, Jan 10 (ANI): Australian opener Matthew Hayden's Ashes prospects will hinge on the selectors' willingness to offer the veteran batsman a central contract for the 2009-10 season, despite the likelihood that he will retire after that series.
When selectors hand out to 25 players Cricket Australia contracts in April, their task will be to choose, firstly, players who can win matches, and secondly to encourage young prospects, the Sydney Morning Herald reported.
With a focus on the 2011 one-day World Cup, as shown by the those chosen for the squad this summer, a number of young players are likely to be contracted.
Hayden has indicated that he would like to play in the Ashes, but few believe he wants to continue beyond then, which leaves selectors in a bind. If they give him a contract and he retires after one series, a rookie misses out.
Sources suggested that if selectors felt he was the best man for the tour, he would be given a contract and payment would cease on his retirement.
After a summer of disappointing results and growing discontent among cricketers, the selectors have taken the extraordinary step of scheduling a meeting with every national team player next month.
All contracted players, and prospective players were notified of the offer by chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch to update them on the selectors' views on their standings.
The move comes after criticism of selection and uncertainty surrounding omissions.
The players were notified of the offer by email yesterday, with the meetings to be held as soon as possible. (ANI)
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