Former batsman Matthew Hayden reckons Root will score a century in the showdown next month, but said if he fails he’ll bare all at Australia’s Melbourne Cricket Ground
Aussie cricket legend Matthew Hayden’s daughter has begged England batsman Joe Root to score a century in the Ashes after her dad vowed to do a nude walk if he doesn’t.
The former batsman, who was vital to the Aussies ‘golden era’ of success in the noughties, reckons Root will do well and score a century in the showdown next month, but said if he fails he’ll bare all at Australia’s Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
Pretty Grace Hayden, a 23-year-old telly cricket commentator, has pleaded on Instagram with the England star to smash the baggy greens to spare her embarrassment, writing: “Please Joe Root, make a hundred.”
Matthew, 54, said during an appearance on the All Over Bar The Cricket YouTube channel: “I will walk nude around the MCG if he doesn’t make a hundred this summer.”
The moment sparked laughter from his fellow panellists and has since gone viral.
Root, 34, has not managed to rack up a century in Australia despite being considered one of the modern greats of Test cricket. But recent form suggests he could achieve the feat in the Ashes, which starts on November 21 in Perth, as since the start of 2021 he has scored 22 centuries in 61 Tests.
Root has featured in 134 Tests since making his debut against India in December 2012 and is England’s all-time leading Test centurion, with 39 centuries.
The ancient Aussie test squad’s average age is 33.5, and they have just one player who is in his 20s.
Your Daily Star suggests an inflatable Zimmer frame and walking stick could give the geriatric baggy greens a boost during matches.
They could also serve as a bat and stumps if any of the has-beens need some practice.
For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletter by clicking here.