Matthew Hayden’s daughter Grace shared a light-hearted reaction after Joe Root ended his long wait for a century in Australia during the second Ashes Test at the Gabba in Brisbane on Thursday, December 4. Grace, who works as a TV presenter, posted an Instagram Story thanking Root for “saving everyone’s eyes”.
In September 2025, Matthew Hayden joked that he would walk around the MCG naked if Root failed to score a century in the 2025–26 Ashes. Root was under pressure in the series, as he had toured Australia three times without reaching three figures, despite being a key pillar of England’s batting lineup.
Grace Hayden’s reaction to Joe Root’s long wait for a century in Australia ending
Joe Root ended his century drought in Australia on the opening day of the pink ball Test in Brisbane. The right-handed batsman reached this milestone in 181 balls. Fans reacted with hilarious messages on social media platforms, including mentions of Matthew Hayden.
Grace Hayden shared an Instagram Story with the caption, “Thank you Root, you saved all our eyes.” Here’s a screenshot of Grace Hayden’s story:
Grace Hayden’s reaction to Joe Root’s century. pic.twitter.com/SoRUluBPTv
– The Brevis (@Ben10Brevis) 4 December 2025
Root had earlier come close to a century on two tours of Australia. He scored 89 in Brisbane in 2021 and 87 in Adelaide in 2013. Overall, he has scored five Test centuries and 18 fifties in 36 Test matches.
I was rooting for you to get a century in a good way – Matthew Hayden praises Joe Root
In a video posted by the official social media handles of England Cricket, Matthew Hayden congratulated Joe Root on scoring a Test century in Australia. The former opening batsman, who played 103 Tests for Australia, joked about supporting Root to reach the three figures.
“Congratulations on scoring a century in Australia, buddy. It took you a while and there was no player more powerful than me in the game. I was rooting for you to get a century in a good way. Congratulations, 10 fifties and finally a century. You little rival friend, be beautiful and enjoy it.”
Joe Root’s maiden century on Australian shores helps England post 334 runs
England chose to bat first after Ben Stokes won the toss in Brisbane. Mitchell Starc dismissed Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope for zero. Jack Crawley and Joe Root saved the team from further collapse. Crawley looked confident and scored 76 runs with the help of 11 fours before being dismissed.
Despite the fall of wickets at the other end, Root continued batting. Harry Brook scored 31 and Stokes was run out on 19 after a mix-up. Jamie Smith was out for zero and Will Jacques added 19 runs. Root completed his 40th Test century, his first in Australia.
Joffra Archer provided important support to Root. They made a 70-run partnership that took England to a competitive score. Archer scored 38 runs, while Root remained unbeaten on 138 runs in 206 balls. Starc was the best of the Australian bowlers, taking six wickets as England were bowled out for 334.
In reply, till the time of writing the news, the host team has scored 84 runs for one wicket after 16 overs, in which Jake Weatherald is unbeaten on 33 and Marnus Labuschagne is unbeaten on 6 runs.
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