KEY POINTS:
A defiant Matthew Hayden says his future in test cricket is up to him and not Australia's selectors, as long as he keeps making runs.
But while Hayden has backed himself to fight his way through a career-threatening form slump, Australia also face injury dramas ahead of today's second test against South Africa, which the home side need to win to keep the three-test series alive.
Andrew Symonds is battling knee soreness while his fellow all-rounder Shane Watson was treated for a stiff back after bowling in the nets.
Given Watson's long history of injuries, it's potentially another cruel blow for the Queenslander in his bid to regain a place in the side.
"Symmo at the moment is in reasonable shape. He has got a sore knee, but they are sort of erring just on the fact that things will calm down over a number of days," said Hayden.
"Symmo in our side just adds a great characteristic and flavour as well. We really want him to get up."
Symonds, a handy off-spinner and medium-pacer, didn't bowl in South Africa's second innings in last week's first test in Perth because of the injury. The Proteas scored 4-414 in the second-highest successful run chase in test history.
Hayden is facing a run chase of his own after scoring 282 runs at 23.5 in seven tests since recovering from an Achilles injury.
The opener admitted he needed to perform well in Melbourne and then Sydney from January 3-7 if he wanted to continue his career.
"I've got into a habit of not asking too many questions when it comes to selectors over the years," the 101-test veteran said.
"You'd have to ask them what their plans are. If I'm putting up the performances, then it's just a matter of how long I want to play. I really want to play good test-match cricket for this next series and then see where we're at.
"Kellie, my wife, and I have just really put every series into context. We weigh it up, as simple as that.
"I'm not looking to [next year's tours of] South Africa or England at this stage. I'm looking for these next two test matches. If that [performing well] is not the case, then I'm vulnerable like everyone else. I feel like I'm buoyant and striking the ball really nicely."
Hayden has hit six MCG test hundreds in the past seven years.
Australia will lose their top ranking if South Africa sweep them 3-0. Hayden admits the Proteas - who have never won a series in Australia - have prepared exceptionally well.
"We found the same thing back in 2005 in England as well, where we were taken a little bit by surprise by just how structured and how researched and how disciplined the England side was," Hayden said.
"When we came back after the Ashes in 2005 and eyeballed each other and refocused our commitment to playing for Australia, well then the result was back here five-nil.
"To my mind Australia is in a strong position. We just need to execute a little bit better."
- AAP