Cricket: Injuries mount as Hayden breaks toe

Australia's Matthew Hayden grimaces after being struck by a Mark Gillespie yorker. Photo / Paul Estcourt

Matthew Hayden's record-breaking unbeaten 181 against New Zealand today has come at a significant cost after x-rays confirmed the Australian cricket opener has broken a toe.

Hayden had his right big toe broken by a yorker-length bowl from Mark Gillespie at Seddon Park in Hamilton when on 102.

But he batted on to eclipse the 173 scored by Mark Waugh against the West Indies in Melbourne six years ago to take ownership of Australia's highest individual one-day innings.

His innings propelled Australia to 346 for five -- a record score against the Black Caps in the dead rubber leg of the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy series.

Gillespie's blow may have deeper repercussions for Australia's World Cup defence in the West Indies next month with the opener tonight joining a cup squad casualty list already comprising allrounder Andrew Symonds (biceps) and speedster Brett Lee (ankle).

Initial reports suggest Hayden could be sidelined for up to a month, a recuperation period that encompasses the Australian's opening pool game against Scotland in the West Indies on March 14.

Australia's failed Chappell-Hadlee Trophy campaign also saw Michael Clark return home with a hip problem while Ricky Ponting missed the three-match series to rest a back complaint.

- NZPA