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Standing My Ground
Matthew Hayden was one of the most commanding batsmen the game has ever seen - and one of its great enigmas. A devout Catholic, and a ruthless on-field sledger. A brutal enforcer, and a soft-hearted family man. The Australian record-holder for highest score in Tests and One Day Internationals, who was plagued by insecurities. In STANDING MY GROUND Hayden confronts these contradictions head-on. He talks frankly about the forces that shaped his journey from fringe international to a giant of the game. He dissects Australia's tactic of verbal warfare and his own role as a key aggressor, taking us on a privileged tour inside the sporting machine that dominated all comers in a golden age of Australian cricket. This isn't a predictable ball-by-ball account of a stellar career. Instead, Hayden delivers a characteristically direct assessment of the matches and the people that mattered most. He pays homage to great role models like Allan Border and explains his deep connection to controversial Andrew Symonds, but also reveals colourful clashes along the way. He opens up on umpires, the media, superstitions, teammates and opponents with disarming honesty and humour. The country boy from Kingaroy rose to greatness in the cricket world. Here is the superstar batsman, the surfer, fisherman and chef in a book as bold and powerful as the man himself.
416 pages, Hardcover
First published October 12, 2010
12 people are currently reading
106 people want to read
About the author
Matthew Hayden
11 books2 followersOne of Australia's outstanding cricketers.
Also well known as a foodie, surfer and fisherman.
Also well known as a foodie, surfer and fisherman.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
December 22, 2012
I was never a fan of Matthew Hayden the cricketer. To me he represented what was bad about the Australian cricket team during a period when we were so good. Walking into an autobiography when you have preconceived ideas about them requires a little prising open of the mind.
Standing my Ground is a classic sports autobiography: replete with cliches, gushing sentiment, self justification, and enough jargon to cause a nosebleed for anyone who doesn't like or understand cricket. It is at its best, most interesting when it focuses on issues and other players rather than the subject himself. As a cricket fan, the game is bigger than the players, and to be fair I think Hayden does justice to that concept in his book.
Unsurprisingly, he is glowing in his praise of his friends, family and perfect wife. The sentiment is nice but it's a little dull to read.
I commend Michael Joseph for his work on Hayden's autobiography. It is both interesting and easy to read. Amusing in places. Bland in others. Matthew Hayden fans will love it. Cricket fans will want to read it. Nobody else would give two hoots. Not the best sport bio I've read but not the worst either.
Standing my Ground is a classic sports autobiography: replete with cliches, gushing sentiment, self justification, and enough jargon to cause a nosebleed for anyone who doesn't like or understand cricket. It is at its best, most interesting when it focuses on issues and other players rather than the subject himself. As a cricket fan, the game is bigger than the players, and to be fair I think Hayden does justice to that concept in his book.
Unsurprisingly, he is glowing in his praise of his friends, family and perfect wife. The sentiment is nice but it's a little dull to read.
I commend Michael Joseph for his work on Hayden's autobiography. It is both interesting and easy to read. Amusing in places. Bland in others. Matthew Hayden fans will love it. Cricket fans will want to read it. Nobody else would give two hoots. Not the best sport bio I've read but not the worst either.
February 7, 2017
The first thing I remember about Haydos (as he is known in the IPL circuit) is the famous sweep shot off Indian spinners in 2001 Test series. The next thing is the daunting monster walking down the track to fast bowlers and bashing them over cow corner for mammoth sixes and sledging them. However, I knew very little about the man who loves cooking, surfing and outdoors so much. I never knew that he is a gentle man behind the mask of a bad mouthed sledger.
Hayden tells us loads and loads of anecdotes which are quite funny. Moreover, I liked the small snippets of Inside the Game after every a couple of chapters. Here, he gives his perspective about bats, superstitions, umpires and many other interesting things.
Nevertheless, the book becoming a bit slow somewhere in between where I had found I could not relate anything. Well, it is not the best nor the worst autobiography I have read and somewhere in between.
Hayden tells us loads and loads of anecdotes which are quite funny. Moreover, I liked the small snippets of Inside the Game after every a couple of chapters. Here, he gives his perspective about bats, superstitions, umpires and many other interesting things.
Nevertheless, the book becoming a bit slow somewhere in between where I had found I could not relate anything. Well, it is not the best nor the worst autobiography I have read and somewhere in between.
February 9, 2012
This book is an auto biography of one of the most dominant batsman ever to play cricket. It describes his tough times and his most enjoyable and describes his important relationship with his family. I loved this book as i love the game of cricket and have enjoyed watching Matthew Hayden play throughout my childhood. One of the main components of this book is of his record breaking 380 run innings which is located at the front of the book. The strong relationship with his brother was a key in him succeeding in his career as the long hours in the nets together payed of. Matthew Hayden describes how much his wife and children mean to him after the end of his decorated career and how much his colleagues and mates have impacted his life. A terrific read for anyone interested in cricket or sport.
September 1, 2012
MATTHEW HAYDEN-"great player,fisherman,chef--
loves the way he prepare himself"
loves the way he prepare himself"
December 13, 2017
Hayden is a cricketing great who was a hard competitor on the field and one of the best exports of Queensland cricket to the world stage. This book was a fascinating read on his humble origins from a small town called Kingaroy and his journey to become a champion batsman and a positive role model. His peak achievement may be the time when he smashed an unbeaten 380 against Zimbabwe against WACA, a feat of endurance and power hitting. The book also highlights his extensive work regimen and never-say-die attitude ( the years he spent mastering the sweep shot in preparation for his destiny, which eventually was to smash spin bowlers all over the world with devastating results for opposing teams are especially well described) . A thinking cricketer, Hayden’s appeal to me is his general philosophy on the “meditation of cricket - involvement of the player - mind, body and spirit” that unify to achieve perfection. His life as an outdoors man and approach to the game is inspiring and highlights years of toil backed by a sense of purpose that ultimately led him to sustained success after years of rejections. Well written and one of the better cricket autobiographies.
July 21, 2018
One of my favourites. Hayden was the one of the most dominating and a night mare for most bowlers. He conquered where others feared. A wonderful player and a competitive opponent. His book accounts for his highs and lows in life. Wonderful read.
January 6, 2021
The great man can do no wrong!
June 19, 2022
A non stop page turner, helps to get to know the man better as well as about the invincible team he was part of.
January 10, 2024
"Standing My Ground" by Matthew Hayden offers readers an inside look into the life of one of cricket's legendary opening batsmen. While Hayden's cricketing accomplishments are undeniably impressive, his autobiography, unfortunately, falls into the trap of being more of a recounting of statistics and personal achievements than a truly engaging and introspective memoir.
The book provides a detailed chronicle of Hayden's cricketing journey, from his early days to his record-breaking performances on the international stage. Cricket enthusiasts may appreciate the wealth of statistics and match details, but the narrative lacks the emotional depth and self-reflection that could have made it a more compelling read.
Hayden's writing style is straightforward, perhaps too much so. The prose lacks the flair and charisma that one might expect from a cricketer known for his aggressive playing style. The narrative often feels like a recitation of facts rather than an exploration of the highs and lows, the triumphs and tribulations that shaped Hayden's career and personal life.
While the book briefly touches on Hayden's struggles and setbacks, it doesn't delve deeply into the challenges he faced or the personal growth that accompanied them. The lack of vulnerability in the storytelling makes it difficult for readers to fully connect with the author on a human level.
The sections that explore Hayden's off-field interests and experiences, such as his passion for fishing and love for the outdoors, inject some variety into the narrative. However, these diversions are often brief and don't fully capture the essence of the man behind the cricketing persona.
The absence of significant insights into Hayden's relationships with teammates and opponents is another missed opportunity. Cricket memoirs often provide a unique perspective on the dynamics within the team and the camaraderie that develops, but "Standing My Ground" falls short in offering a nuanced portrayal of these interpersonal connections.
In conclusion, "Standing My Ground" may satisfy die-hard cricket fans hungry for detailed accounts of matches and statistical achievements. However, for readers seeking a more intimate and reflective exploration of Matthew Hayden's life both on and off the field, the book may feel somewhat one-dimensional. While the cricketing anecdotes are undoubtedly there, the autobiography lacks the depth and storytelling finesse needed to elevate it beyond a comprehensive but ultimately somewhat monotonous retelling of a cricketing career.
The book provides a detailed chronicle of Hayden's cricketing journey, from his early days to his record-breaking performances on the international stage. Cricket enthusiasts may appreciate the wealth of statistics and match details, but the narrative lacks the emotional depth and self-reflection that could have made it a more compelling read.
Hayden's writing style is straightforward, perhaps too much so. The prose lacks the flair and charisma that one might expect from a cricketer known for his aggressive playing style. The narrative often feels like a recitation of facts rather than an exploration of the highs and lows, the triumphs and tribulations that shaped Hayden's career and personal life.
While the book briefly touches on Hayden's struggles and setbacks, it doesn't delve deeply into the challenges he faced or the personal growth that accompanied them. The lack of vulnerability in the storytelling makes it difficult for readers to fully connect with the author on a human level.
The sections that explore Hayden's off-field interests and experiences, such as his passion for fishing and love for the outdoors, inject some variety into the narrative. However, these diversions are often brief and don't fully capture the essence of the man behind the cricketing persona.
The absence of significant insights into Hayden's relationships with teammates and opponents is another missed opportunity. Cricket memoirs often provide a unique perspective on the dynamics within the team and the camaraderie that develops, but "Standing My Ground" falls short in offering a nuanced portrayal of these interpersonal connections.
In conclusion, "Standing My Ground" may satisfy die-hard cricket fans hungry for detailed accounts of matches and statistical achievements. However, for readers seeking a more intimate and reflective exploration of Matthew Hayden's life both on and off the field, the book may feel somewhat one-dimensional. While the cricketing anecdotes are undoubtedly there, the autobiography lacks the depth and storytelling finesse needed to elevate it beyond a comprehensive but ultimately somewhat monotonous retelling of a cricketing career.
May 29, 2024
I was a long time coming to this book as Matthew Hayden wasn't a sportsman I had ever warmed to but in the end, it seemed reasonable to give him the benefit of the doubt and to look past the bully at the top of the order, Australia's noted intimidator during Ricky Ponting's captaincy reign. I was keen to look beneath the veneer and find the man underneath.
I found the same bloke: the bully. It was the same Matthew Hayden underneath only with some sweeteners by way of mentioning his wife and kids in soppy anecdote and of course a chapter about Justin Langer which made one feel like I should have read it with candles and wine and had Michael Bolton playing in the background. His story is most notable for the things he doesn't say, doesn't reveal and in doing so, the reader gets no impression that the writer has a different persona when the Baggy Green is removed.
There's nothing about Monkeygate - nothing of substance - a controversy he was deeply implicated in. There is a sympathetic reading of Andrew Symonds and love and admiration for Ponting, who gave him his licence to abuse. There are justifications aplenty for his own brutish behaviour on the field, with the "that's just the way we Australians play" defence trotted out. He even provides examples of his best sledges but don't be reading on if you expect wit to be involved.
There is a brief admission that there is massive conflict between the good Catholic boy paying public homage to his God and the swearing bear who blued pitches across the world with his near non-stop foul mouthed verbal assault at batsmen. Admission but no explanation.
There is nothing of his bullying finally been stood up to by the English in 2005 and his power being so badly diminished that not only did Australia lose the Ashes but also their invincibility. Bullies don't admit when they are bested.
No surprises. It delivered exactly what I should have expected.
I wish it had recipes.
Dull as a drop in pitch.
I found the same bloke: the bully. It was the same Matthew Hayden underneath only with some sweeteners by way of mentioning his wife and kids in soppy anecdote and of course a chapter about Justin Langer which made one feel like I should have read it with candles and wine and had Michael Bolton playing in the background. His story is most notable for the things he doesn't say, doesn't reveal and in doing so, the reader gets no impression that the writer has a different persona when the Baggy Green is removed.
There's nothing about Monkeygate - nothing of substance - a controversy he was deeply implicated in. There is a sympathetic reading of Andrew Symonds and love and admiration for Ponting, who gave him his licence to abuse. There are justifications aplenty for his own brutish behaviour on the field, with the "that's just the way we Australians play" defence trotted out. He even provides examples of his best sledges but don't be reading on if you expect wit to be involved.
There is a brief admission that there is massive conflict between the good Catholic boy paying public homage to his God and the swearing bear who blued pitches across the world with his near non-stop foul mouthed verbal assault at batsmen. Admission but no explanation.
There is nothing of his bullying finally been stood up to by the English in 2005 and his power being so badly diminished that not only did Australia lose the Ashes but also their invincibility. Bullies don't admit when they are bested.
No surprises. It delivered exactly what I should have expected.
I wish it had recipes.
Dull as a drop in pitch.
February 11, 2017
Great insight into an elite sportsman's journey and the commitment, skill and luck required to achieve. It often doesn't come easy.
September 26, 2012
This book was fabulous! It's almost like he told me his whole life story. Matt grew up in a small town called Kingaroy which was where he devoloped his cricket skills. When he got selected for australia, he was very well doubted but soon enough he proved them wrong. One of matt's greatest achievements would've been scoring one of the highest test scores of 380* against Zimbabwe at the WACA. He is a great family man and help the broad community when he can.
November 11, 2013
A fascinating insight into the mind of one of the great modern era cricketers who has redefined the opening slot. A great highlight was the ability of the man to compartmentalize his role as a cricketer not willing to give even an inch to his opponents and devoted father and christian. Somehow the Aussie way of thinking about the game and their approach fills you with awe and inspiration and a deep respect for their love of the game.
January 18, 2012
Really enjoyable read. A loving father & husband, a positive role model for his fans, a patriot, a good man and a sensational cricketer. This account of Matthew Hayden's eventful life is well worth a read. It helps if you're into cricket a bit but even otherwise, a very interesting read. Good to learn more about one of Australian cricket's best ever batsmen.
January 2, 2011
A well written and thoughtful account of my fav sportsperson. A must read for any Queensland cricket tragic.
June 15, 2015
Matt the bat!!
May 5, 2012
One of the best sporting autobiographies I've read!
December 14, 2012
Really enjoyed the insight provided within this book. I've always been a big fan of Hayden since the beginning of his career. Recommend this read for all sports fans.
May 13, 2013
Great book to read. The book didn't bored me like some books do. You would like it more if you're into cricket.
September 22, 2015
greatest among greatest players
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews