Matthew Hayden’s Daughter Grace Responds as Joe Root Prevents Great from Embarrassing Incident in Melbourne
In a thrilling moment during the ongoing Ashes series, Joe Root achieved a significant milestone. He scored his first Test century in Australia, easing the pressure on former Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden.
Matthew Hayden’s Bold Statement
Matthew Hayden, a legendary figure in Australian cricket, made an outrageous promise prior to the series. He announced he would walk naked around the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) if Root failed to score a century this summer.
Grace Hayden’s Response
Grace Hayden, Matthew’s daughter and a cricket commentator, humorously reacted to her father’s bold claim. She expressed her hope by tweeting, “Please @root66 make a hundred.” Her wishes were granted as Root performed exceptionally on Day 1 of the Test.
Joe Root’s Milestone Century
On December 4, 2025, Joe Root finally delivered for Hayden, scoring a century on Australian soil. He reached this milestone in 181 balls, marking his 40th Test hundred overall. His performance at the Gabba was notable, as he became only the second English player to score a century on the opening day of a Gabba Test.
Key Statistics from the Match
- Root’s score: 135 runs off 202 balls
- Boundaries: 15 fours and 1 six
- Innings taken to reach his maiden hundred in Australia: 30
- England’s score at stumps: 325/9 in 74 overs
- Other notable performance: Jofra Archer scored 32 off 26 balls
Hayden Congratulates Root
Matthew Hayden congratulated Joe Root via social media following the historic innings. He expressed relief and joy for Root, stating, “Congratulations mate on a hundred here in Australia. It took you a while, and no one had more ‘skin’ in the game than me, literally.”
Highlights of the Match
Mitchell Starc played a key role for Australia as well, securing his second five-wicket haul of the series. This was also his 18th five-wicket haul in Test cricket, showcasing his effectiveness in the ongoing Ashes contest.
The match not only honored Hayden’s bold prediction but also added excitement to the Ashes series as England looked to capitalize on this strong start.
