I don't think one can estimate individual players' retirement plans based on, say, Hayden's age. I doubt if even he would stay as long as you've speculated. I recall reading somewhere that his ambition was to reach 100 tests for Oz, which he should do soon. I think Hayden will then retire, while his career figures are still very impressive.

Likewise, Brett Lee, superbly fit though he is, cannot be expected to go on at the current pace for too long. I think Lee, like Ponting, will aim for a winning exit at the 2009 Ashes series in England.