2nd Ashes Test: Matthew Hayden replies to Root’s ton, after his promise to ‘run naked’

Joe Root scored his first Test century in Australia during the Ashes 2025-26 at the Gabba. His century delighted former Matthew Hayden, who humorously promised to run naked if Root failed to score.

Root scored his maiden Test ton in Australia. Image | ICC

Joe Root carved a new chapter in his cricketing career, smashing his first-ever Test century on Australian turf during the second Ashes 2025-26 clash at the Gabba in Brisbane. The England maestro notched up his 40th Test ton on day one, lifting his side from the brink in challenging conditions and igniting jubilant celebrations, with former Australia opener Matthew Hayden leading the cheers. Hayden, who had stated that he would run naked if Root did not score a Test century on Australian soil, had something special to say for the former England captain.

Root scored his maiden Test ton in Australia

Root strode in with England wobbling at two early wickets. Partnering Zak Crawley, he built a crucial 117-run stand playing second fiddle before taking charge.

Dominating session after session, Root's gritty knock steadied the innings, pushing England out of danger and adding the final jewel to his cap: a century in every country where he's played at least five Tests.

Only Bangladesh (two matches) and UAE (three) remain unconquered, despite his 10 fifties and over 1,100 runs Down Under—where his average has historically lagged.​

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Hayden’s statement for Root

Hayden's congratulatory video, shared by England Cricket on X, stole the show. "Good day, Joe. Congratulations, mate, on the hundred here in Australia. Took you a while, and there was no one that had more skin in the game than me, literally," the 53-year-old quipped.

"I was backing you in for the hundred in a good way. So mate, congratulations—10, 50s and finally 100. You little ripper!" The pun sent social media into a frenzy, racking up thousands of views and laughs.

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The backstory to Hayden’s statement​

The backstory? Before the series, Hayden boldly promised to streak naked around the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) if Root failed to ton up on tour.

Pre-second Test on Sky Sports, he doubled down with nerves showing: "I’m concerned for multiple reasons. The last thing I want to do at 54 is spend the rest of my life in jail."

He had questioned Root's form against Australia's fifth-stump line but backed him anyway. Root's Gabba masterclass spared Hayden the embarrassment, turning dread into delight.​

England finished Day 1 of the second Australia vs England Test on 325/9, with Root unbeaten on 135 off 202 balls.

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