Matthew Hayden (2001-07)
Ashes Tests: 20 | Runs: 1461 | Ave: 45.65 | HS: 197 | 100s: 5 | 50s: 2
Ponting went with two left-handers to start the innings, as he chose the swashbuckling Matthew Hayden as the opening partner of Justin Langer. The huge Hayden was well-known for taking the attack to the bowlers end from the very first ball. Hayden had scored five centuries and one fifty in the five Ashes he had featured till 2006-07.
With an average over 45 as an opener, Ponting justified the selection of both the openers, as they got Australia off to a flier on a many occasion under the leadership of Ponting.