Former cricketer Matthew Hayden once made a sensational remark: “If Joe Root doesn’t score a century in the Ashes, I’ll walk naked around the Melbourne Cricket Ground!” The comment went viral, prompting his daughter Grace Hayden to step in with a heartfelt plea, asking Root to please score a century. Joe Root did not disappoint.
In the second Ashes Test, Root smashed an unbeaten 135, answering Grace’s request in style.
England had been battered in the first Test. In the second Test at Brisbane, they chose to bat after winning the toss but collapsed early Ben Duckett fell in the first over, and Ollie Pope in the third, leaving England reeling at 5 for 2. Root then steadied the innings, building a 117-run partnership with opener Zak Crawley. But after Crawley’s dismissal in the 28th over, England’s middle order fell apart, with Harry Brook, captain Ben Stokes, and Jamie Smith all failing to contribute.
Root held firm at one end despite the recurring fall of wickets. In the 66th over, he struck a boundary off Scott Boland to bring up his century his first in Australia. He finished the day unbeaten on 135.
With Root’s century, fans were quick to recall Hayden’s bold promise. Hayden had said on YouTube, “I’ll walk naked around the MCG if he doesn’t score a hundred.” The clip sparked laughter across social media. Concerned about the embarrassment her father might face, Grace Hayden tagged Root on Instagram, pleading, “Please Joe Root, score a century.”
Root answered that plea perfectly with his brilliant knock.
