Table of Contents
Former England captain Joe Root finally ended his long-standing wait for a Test century on Australian soil, producing a superb hundred on Day 1 of the second Ashes Test at the Gabba. While the milestone was a major boost for England, the most relieved reactions came not from his own dressing room, but from the family of Australian legend Matthew Hayden—thanks to a bizarre pre-series wager that had taken the internet by storm.
Matthew Hayden’s viral promise ahead of Ashes
In the build-up to the series, Hayden had made a playful yet outrageous promise on a podcast. Highlighting Root’s unusual record—zero Test centuries in Australia despite over 13,000 career runs—Hayden confidently declared: “I will walk nude around the MCG if he doesn’t make a hundred this summer.”
The comment instantly became a global talking point, adding unexpected humour to the Ashes rivalry. Fans followed Root’s every innings with heightened curiosity, wondering whether Hayden’s bold wager would force him into an unforgettable—and unmissable—lap of the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. Even Hayden acknowledged the pressure, joking that he had more ‘skin in the game’ than anyone else.
Joe Root breaks his century jinx in Australia
Coming in early with England under pressure, Root stitched together a masterful, composed innings. He played with authority, built vital partnerships, and displayed the calmness that had often deserted him in Australian conditions.
When he finally punched the ball through cover to bring up his 40th Test century—and his first ever in Australia—it sparked celebrations far beyond the English camp. The century not only broke a strange statistical drought but also delivered massive relief to millions who had followed Hayden’s viral promise.
Also WATCH: Ashes 2025-26: Marnus Labuschagne plucks a screamer to dismiss Jofra Archer on Day 2 of Gabba Test
Grace Hayden’s priceless reaction after Root’s century
While Root soaked in the applause, the internet was quickly taken over by the reaction of Grace Hayden, daughter of Aussie legend Hayden and a popular sports presenter. She had earlier pleaded online for Root to score a century to save the public from the possibility of her father’s nude MCG run.
Moments after Root reached triple figures, Grace posted her hilariously relieved message on Instagram which read: “Root thank you, you’ve saved all our eyes.”
Matthew Hayden’s daughter’s Instagram story on Joe Root’s hundred. ��
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra)
The post immediately exploded across social media, perfectly capturing the comic tension at the bet had added to the series and offering a heartwarming moment of humour amid the fierce rivalry.
Also SEE: Photo Gallery: WAGS of top England cricketers at the Ashes 2025-26
