Melbourne, Jan 11 : Australian opener Mathew Hayden has said that he had "nothing to fear" as he made plans for an island getaway with his family after his 15-year long international cricket career has come under severe scrutiny due to lack of form.

The 37-year-old would this week embark on a vacation to Stradbroke Island with wife Kellie and their three children, and use the time to weigh up the biggest decision of his cricketing life.

"I don't fear retirement, not at all. I think I've earned the opportunity to think about my future, and now I'm going to take it. If I say that's it, that's fine, it's all good. The selectors haven't given me any ultimatums. I haven't thought about whether I have played my last innings for Australia.

"I think if you think like that, you have played your last innings," Hayden said.

"There won't be any hitting of cricket balls. I'll be staying fit and healthy, but this will give me time to think about what it is I want to do," the Daily Telegraph quoted Hayden, as saying.

Hayden was dropped on Wednesday from Australia's one-day and Twenty20 sides, and many believe he will be jettisoned altogether when Test selectors meet next month to name the touring party to South Africa.

But speaking at his family home on Saturday, a relaxed Hayden said his immediate focus would be spending time with the people that mean the most to him.

"I'm just glad to have some time out now with my family. The next week or so will be crucial. I'm getting away, we'll definitely be heading to `Straddy' (his getaway at Stradbroke Island) and getting some quality family time," Hayden said.

"I'll be kayaking with the kids, surfing, I'll be doing some fishing and diving. I'll be exploring the reef with Grace (his six-year-old daughter) and going 22km out to sea for a spot of fishing.

"There won't be any hitting of cricket balls. I'll be staying fit and healthy, but this will give me time to think about what it is I want to do," Hayden said.

Hayden will play his next game for Queensland in their Sheffield Shield clash with Western Australia on January 30 -- his only chance to impress national selectors ahead of tours to South Africa and England.

The big-hitting Queenslander insists he has not a made a definitive call on his future and would not do so until he sought the counsel of his wife over the coming week.

Hayden also revealed he had not been given any ultimatum from the Test selection panel comprising Andrew Hilditch, David Boon, Jamie Cox and Merv Hughes. (ANI)