Brisbane: Matthew Hayden believes anything is possible on Friday after he rode his luck for an unbeaten century on the opening day of the Ashes series against England.

The 31-year-old left-handed opener finished an unbeaten 186 at stumps on Thursday as Australia hammered the England attack to reach 364 for two.

Hayden clubbed 23 fours and two sixes after Australia was sent in, but he also rode some incredible luck once he reached three figures. He was dropped three times - with two of the chances when he was on 102 and 138 sitters.

The religious Hayden crossed himself after the second let-off when Michael Vaughan fumbled a simple chance at cover.

"I was pretty lucky to be here. I went through a pretty rough patch there for half an hour (after reaching his century)," Hayden said.

"I don't think I actually had enough to eat with the excitement. I think I was struggling in that period."

Hayden has now scored 10 Test centuries - nine in the last 21 months since his return to the Australian team.

The Queenslander, who posted his first hundred against England, must now have a strong chance of eclipsing his best Test score of 203 scored in India last year.

"Provided I come in tomorrow feeling the same way I don't know what's possible," he said.

Copyright AFP 2001

Extras:
Aussies thrash England bowlers, Hayden 186*