Matthew Hayden has struggled in the series against South Africa, averaging 19.50 in six innings © Getty Images

Michael Hussey has seen no signs from Matthew Hayden that he is about to retire and would be stunned if the opener was not part of next month's tour to South Africa. Hayden scored 39 in the second innings to continue his horrible run at home this season amid increasing pressure to call time on his 103-Test career.

Hussey was in the dressing room when Hayden returned from his final five-day innings in Australia - he has talked about bowing out in England next year - after being bowled trying to heave Morne Morkel over midwicket. "He was fine," Hussey said. "I was padding up when he came in, sometimes he comes in calm, sometimes he's not so calm. He put his gear down and didn't say too much."

Hayden, 37, has not spoken to his team-mates about walking away and has received regular backing from the side and the selectors, who were under fire for choosing him in Sydney instead of a younger option. "He hasn't said anything to us," Hussey said. "From my point of view, I hope he keeps going. From what I see inside the camp, he's very hungry for runs. I'm not seeing any signs that he wants to call it a day."