Joe RootHe scored unbeaten 135 runs in the first innings of the second innings. the ashes 2025-26 test Australian legend spared at Gabba Matthew Hayden From a wild pre-series promise to walking around the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) naked, their daughter’s family reaction has gone viral grace HaydenThe former opening batsman jokingly vowed to pull off the feat if Root failed to score a century during Australia’s summer Ashes campaign, a bold call that gained massive traction ahead of the high-stakes series with Australia currently leading 2-0 after wins in Perth and Brisbane, Grace, a budding cricket presenter, turned the moment into comedy gold on social media, expressing mock awe and eternal gratitude towards the England batsman for averting a family crisis,
Grace issues ‘reject’ ultimatum to Father Matthew Hayden
Grace’s relief came online soon after Root’s milestone on the first day of the pink-ball Test, where he restricted England to 325/9 despite Mitchell Starc taking six wickets. Posting an Instagram story, it was captioned “Thanks Root. you saved our eyes“She released a video profusely thanking Root, and announcing that she was rooting for an Englishman for the first time in Ashes history.”If my dad says he’ll ever run naked around anything again I’m disowning himGrace quips, mixing humor with a firm warning after family discussions, urging Matthew to reconsider such bets.
The posts went viral, thanks to his growing fan base and the absurdity of the saga, while Mathew himself congratulated Root in a video, admitting, “There was literally no one more talented at the game than meThis light-hearted exchange highlighted the personal stakes behind cricket’s fiercest rivalry, endearing Haydens to fans around the world.
Also read: Ashes 2025-26: Grace Hayden thanks Joe Root for century in Gabba Test
Hayden criticizes Jofra Archer’s actions in second Ashes Test
Amidst the laughter and jokes, Matthew focused his attention on England’s struggles while criticizing jofra archerconduct after Australia Secured 2-0 lead in Brisbane. Hayden called Archer’s pillow-covered arrival at The Gabba on the third day a “shocking sight” that signaled complacency, and urged the Australian batsmen to take advantage of it during their severe tail-end resistance. He also criticized Archer’s inconsistent pace, clocking in at 130–136 km/h in key stages, as well as verbally attacking him. steve smith And “fake smile“Labeling it painful, courage-heavy, and lacking humility.”This will never endear him to fans or greats like SmithHayden warned during his broadcast tenure that England Without Stokes’ composure, they will face an Ashes whitewash. Archer scored runs when England were playing hard, underscoring Hayden’s dual role as entertainer and sharp analyst in the current series.
