On this day, October 9, there was a massacre in the cricket world. Blitzkrieg was imposed on Zimbabwe by a man. In the two-match Test series, Matthew Lawrence Hayden scored a brilliant 380 against Zimbabwe in the first Test of the two-match Test series, making the second-highest individual Test score in history behind West Indies’ Brian Lara’s 400. Zimbabwe knew what they were signing up for for their tour of Australia in 2003, but being messed with by a batsman was not in the script.
In the first Test in Perth, Zimbabwe captain Heath Streak won the toss and elected to field against Australia, a decision that haunts the former Zimbabwe captain to this day. Opening with Justin Langer, Matthew Hayden opened his innings with caution on a batting-friendly wicket at the WACA. At the time, Australia were respected, feared as the team consisted of players who are now known as legends. From a lethal and fierce attacking unit to an aggressive, domineering batsman who could break the opposition, Australia were a side not to be messed with.
Throughout five seasons, Hayden made history as he batted and batted and looked like he never wanted to leave the crease. From the pull shot to the cut to the heavy drive, Hayden played a brilliant knock of 380 against Zimbabwe, surpassing Brian Lara’s nine-year record of 375. On the first day, Hayden stepped on the gas after tea and scored 183 runs till the stumps were called. On Day 2, Hayden continued his attack, surpassing his previous best score of 203.
Continuing to play with the Zimbabwe unit, Hayden reached 300, becoming the fifth Australian to reach this landmark. In between, Hayden did not look surprisingly tired, but rather enjoying himself as he thrashed the visitors left, right and centre. The tourists had no solution to Hayden’s offense as the game continued to break several records made by renowned batsmen.
Hayden reached 380 but, of course, batting for two days in a row, it took its toll that the opener was dismissed by Trevor Gripper. WACA spectators stood on their feet, applauding an innings that could never be recreated. Hayden’s dismissal was a breakthrough for Zimbabwe, however, wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist added a scintillating century to Australia’s innings as the hosts crossed the 700-run mark, a rare feat in the game.
Steve Waugh finally decided to declare at 735/6. Seeing a scintillating score, the Tourists managed to come out in the middle but then faced players like Brett Lee, Jason Gillespie and Andy Bischel. Gripper was Zimbabwe’s highest scorer (53) in the first innings as the visitors were bundled out for 239.
Enforcing the follow-on, Mark Vermeulen (63) and Sean Ervine (53) managed to add runs to the board and cut the deficit, however, the tourists were bowled out for 321 in 4/63 of any bikel. Australia won the first test. An innings and 175 runs.
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