Hayden breaks toe during record innings

WELLINGTON, Feb 20 (Reuters) Australian batsman Matthew Hayden broke the big toe of his right foot during his record-breaking innings against New Zealand in Hamilton today.

Hayden batted through the entire innings to score an unbeaten 181, breaking Mark Waugh's record of 173 for the highest score by an Australian in a one-day international.

Hayden batted through most of the innings with a runner after being struck on the right toe. He was taken to hospital at the change of innings where X-rays confirmed the break.

''An X-ray of Matthew Hayden's right foot has shown a fracture to his big toe,'' Australian physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said in a statement.

''He will see a specialist in Brisbane tomorrow at which point his medical management will be outlined including his return to play.'' Hayden, who also holds the Australian record for the highest test score (380), smashed 11 fours and 10 sixes in his 166-ball knock to post the eighth highest score in history.

It was just 13 short of Saeed Anwar's world record of 194 for Pakistan against India in 1997.

REUTERS PM KN1321