Chennai, July 25: Matthew Hayden still brings the brooding intensity he had at the crease to life after international cricket. Even as he enjoys every minute of his retirement, his commitment to the game has not wavered a bit. In Chennai, to sow the seeds for a possible strategic tie-up between The Hayden Way and the Chennai Super Kings in the form of a new cricket academy, the burly Queenslander shared his thoughts on the ongoing Ashes series, his role in the academy, Andrew Flintoff’s retirement and steps to redeem Test cricket. Excerpts:

On Australia being too soft in the Ashes: It has more to do with the English press. Both teams have played some fantastic cricket and Australia were unlucky not to have won the first Test. They have shown great spirit in each session so far and that is more important. What I can definitely say is both teams have fought hard and the series is well and truly alive.

On pressure around the Ashes: Only when you play a couple of tournaments do you realise the importance of a series like the Ashes. It is a high pressure series and will always continue to be. We have all been affected by the pressure of the Ashes as there is a huge billing around it and expectations soar.

On Hughes and Johnson failing: Phil Hughes must understand that as a professional sportsman he will have more ordinary days than good ones. If too much importance is paid to the end product, there could be a problem. Johnson should come back well. In the last series Australia played against South Africa, they were good and they cannot become bad in just 30 sessions.

On Australia missing Symonds: A player like Andrew Symonds brings a lot to the game. He can be useful in all the departments and I think the team are surely missing his athleticism on the field. He is a powerful stroke player and one who can nip it in with the ball in English conditions. He would have been an asset for sure.

On ideas to improve Test cricket: The game has a responsibility to regenerate interest from time to time. It needs a remodel without disturbing the traditions. Any product has to go through with that. Venues must be made purposeful.

On four-day Tests: I will never support something that touches the great traditions of the game. Test cricket is an iconic brand. I would rather suggest a two-tier format like a Test championship where the battle is truer. But again nothing that tries to change the age old traditions. When Sachin Tendulkar became the highest run-getter in Mohali there were hardly anyone in the stands, while in 2001 the venues were holding more people than they should. Things have to be reinvented.

On retirements: I retired from international cricket after having a satisfying stint. As far as Andrew Flintoff is concerned I am sure he would have given it a hard thought before deciding. The IPL is not a second grade option. It is a premier tournament that demands the best.

On the proposed CSK academy: I started the Hayden Way, after my retirement and it will be a strategic tie-up with CSK to help unearth talent and make good players out of them. It doesn’t stop there, the teachings will help the players to become well-rounded personalities. The aim is to produce quality cricketers and good human beings.