3 Jan 2009

Hayden continues lean patch

5:30 pm on 3 January 2009

The career of Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden remains under threat as South Africa continued their dominance of the home side in the third test at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Hayden was on 31 when he dragged a full-length ball from Dale Steyn onto his stumps before Australia reached 155-4 at tea on the first day.

The 103 test veteran faced 78 balls and hit four boundaries.

Hayden has scored only 78 runs at 15.60 in the series and is yet to announce if he wants to play on for next month's tour of South Africa.

Australia won the toss in overcast conditions and lost the wickets of Simon Katich for 47 and captain Ricky Ponting for a first-ball duck before lunch.