Brisbane, Australia - Joe Root, the linchpin of England's batting lineup, has responded with playful banter to the Australian crowd after his Gabba century saved former Australian opener Matthew Hayden from fulfilling a rather audacious promise. Prior to the commencement of the 2025-26 Ashes series, Hayden had declared on the "All Over Bar The Cricket" YouTube podcast that he would "walk nude around the MCG if [Root] doesn't get a hundred this summer".
Root's century in the second Ashes Test, his first ever on Australian soil, not only steered England to a competitive first-innings total but also spared Hayden from an embarrassing situation. The century, Root's 40th in Test cricket, arrived after 181 balls and was celebrated with visible relief.
Speaking after the close of play on Day 1, Root addressed Hayden's pre-series pledge with good humor. "Actually, it's really nice of him to give me the confidence and backing in the first place," Root said. "But yeah, kind of him to send those words and obviously an Australian great and he's done special things in the game."
He then added with a smile, “So obviously, nice to get that from him, but yeah, as well, to the Australian public that they don't have to witness that. And his family, I think, they'll be quite happy too".
Hayden himself reacted to Root's century with a video message, congratulating the English batter. "Congratulations mate on a hundred here in Australia," Hayden said. "Took you a while, and there was no one who had more skin in the game than me, literally." The message was widely shared, becoming a viral moment that encapsulated the Ashes spirit.
The origins of Hayden's bold declaration trace back to discussions surrounding Root's century drought in Australia. Despite being the second-highest run-scorer in Test history, Root had not managed a century in Australia in 15 previous Tests. With the Ashes looming, Hayden confidently backed Root to break the jinx, leading to his now-famous promise.
Root's century not only saved Hayden from his nude walk but also carried England to 334 in the first innings after the team was 5-2. The innings was crucial for England, demonstrating Root's enduring importance to their batting lineup.
The 2025-26 Ashes series is already proving to be a captivating contest, with Australia winning the first test. The series, which runs from November 21, 2025, to January 8, 2026, is part of the ICC World Test Championship. The venues include Perth Stadium, Brisbane's Gabba, Adelaide Oval, the MCG, and the Sydney Cricket Ground. The Ashes rivalry between Australia and England has a long and storied history, dating back to 1882.
