Hayden says Ponting's axing from ODI squad 'disgraceful'

Melbourne, Feb 22(ANI): Former Australian batsman Matthew Hayden has slammed veteran batsman Ricky Ponting's one-day sacking as a "disgrace".

"It was disgraceful treatment of our modern-day Bradman. I feel speechless. The logic that (Ponting) was left out so we can prepare for the next World Cup is just lost on me," The Herald Sun quoted Hayden, as saying.

"It just looks as if he is being pushed further and further away from the team and I don't understand why ... we should be celebrating the fact that he is still around and available to play," he added.

Hayden said Australia is searching for a star cricketer who may not exist, and should instead be "celebrating" the fact that Ponting was still playing for the country.

He also claimed that the batting depth outside the national side was worryingly thin. (ANI)