MATTHEW HAYDEN broke the big toe on his right foot during his record-breaking, unbeaten 181 as Australia set New Zealand another steep target in the third and final Chappell Hadlee one-day international at Hamilton today.
The veteran opener hit an Australian record score in an ODI, despite being assisted by a runner after being hit by a yorker from Mark Gillespie when he was on 102.
Hayden's innings gave his side an excellent 346-5, with more than half the runs from the Queenslander, including 11 fours and 10 sixes.
During the interval, he was anxiously taken for an x-ray and team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris reported that the toe was fractured and Hayden will see a specialist in Brisbane after the team's return to Australia tomorrow.
Hayden, who put on 122 in an opening stand with Shane Watson, who provided a run-a-ball 68, was in irrepressible form.
His ferocious strike rate - he faced 166 deliveries - was one of the best ever ODI innings, and the highest in New Zealand limited-overs cricket.
