Ashes 2025-26: ‘You’ve saved all our eyes’ - Grace Hayden relieved after Root’s century

Joe Root’s maiden Test hundred in Australia has brought a massive sense of relief to Grace Hayden, daughter of legendary cricketer Matthew Hayden. Grace took to social media to express her gratitude, joking that her father would no longer have to run naked around the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Earlier, Hayden had humorously promised to sprint nude at the MCG if Root failed to score a hundred in the ongoing Ashes series. Prior to this innings, Root had played fifteen Test matches in Australia without reaching a century, a surprising gap in an otherwise stellar career. Following Root’s struggles in the opening Test, there were doubts that he might again leave Australian soil without breaking this drought.

However, the English batter looked in commanding touch on Day 1 of the pink-ball Test at the Gabba, producing a gritty century off 181 balls. Grace shared an Instagram story shortly after the milestone, captioning the video, ‘Root thank you. You’ve saved all our eyes’. The post quickly went viral, aided by her large following and the humorous context of her father’s promise.

Hayden had his own entertaining reaction. As soon as Root reached his hundred, Hayden broke into an enthusiastic dance outside the commentary box, adding a lighthearted moment to an already memorable day.

Root’s innings anchored England’s total, helping them surpass 300 for the first time in the series. He remained unbeaten on 138 off 206 balls, guiding England to 334 in their first innings, supported by a spirited cameo from No. 11 Jofra Archer (38 off 36). Earlier, Zak Crawley also scored 76 to his name. Root skillfully negotiated challenging spells from Mitchell Starc, who bowled with the pink ball.

In reply, Australia scored 378/6, led by Jake Weatherald (72), Marnus Labuschagne (65), and Steven Smith (61). From England, Brydon Carse claimed 3/113 at the end of Day 2, leaving Australia with a 44-run lead in the second Test at Brisbane.