The Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting says under-performing teammate Matthew Hayden's experience is a valuable asset during the Australian team's transitional phase.
National one-day and Twenty20 sides to play South Africa are set to be named this morning and there's uncertainty about Hayden's selection in either side.
Ponting says he's had no indication Hayden was ready to call it quits despite his extended form slump and dropping a crucial catch late in Australia's dramatic 103-run Test win yesterday at the SCG.
