Captain Ricky Ponting believes veteran batsman Matthew Hayden can continue opening the Australia innings.

The 37-year-old hinted before the first Test against New Zealand, which the Australians won by 149 runs on Sunday, that he might not be around for next year's Ashes tour to England.

"I think skills-wise and hunger-wise, Matthew Hayden is definitely our best opener and will be until he wants to finish," said Ponting.

Hayden is set to make his 100th Test appearance in the second meeting with the Black Caps, which gets under way at the Adelaide Oval on Friday.