‘Last Thing I Want To Do At 54 Is Spend The Rest Of My Life In Jail’: Matthew Hayden Rethinks Joe Root Pred
Last Updated:December 03, 2025, 10:54 IST
Matthew Hayden fears his bold prediction about Joe Root may backfire, as the English batter struggles and faces criticism but remains confident ahead of the pink-ball Test.
Matthew Hayden is concerned that his bold Joe Root Ashes prediction may backfire (AP and PTI)
Matthew Hayden is concerned that his prediction for Joe Root may backfire on him spectacularly. The Australian legend had sounded confident that the England batter would break his century drought Down Under during the Ashes series. “I will walk nude around the MCG if he doesn’t make a hundred this summer,” he had declared.
In the first Test, Root was dismissed for zero in the first innings and eight in the second. And Hayden is now concerned.
On Sky Sports, Michael Atherton reminded Hayden of his prediction and asked if he was concerned.
“I’m concerned for multiple reasons,” Hayden said.
“The last thing I want to do at 54 is spend the rest of my life in jail,” he added.
Hayden is second-guessing himself.
“But I tell you. And on a serious note, I probably didn’t see a lot of convincing evidence from Joe Root. You know, I know that he loves to own that fifth and sixth stump channel and Australia will. They won’t need to go anywhere else other than that, after what I saw. And you know those little dabs, and you know the gather will be no different as well, especially under lights and pink ball. So it’s going to be a big challenge for Joe root, and it’s even a bigger challenge for me,” he added.
Root Is Confident
England batter Joe Root expressed confidence in regaining his scoring form in the pink-ball Test following a heavy defeat in the Ashes series opener. England face Australia in Brisbane starting Thursday, aiming to recover from their eight-wicket loss in Perth.
“It’s pretty disappointing in terms of the numbers,” Root told reporters on Sunday.
“First innings, I thought it was a good ball. It’s one of those things you can get early on. You’ve got to try and find a way to get through that phase when it’s tricky at the start.
“And then second innings I thought my tempo was really good, made one mistake. You play a miss at that or it goes between the keeper and it slips for four, you never think of it again.
“I think it’s having a bit of realism, understanding, yes there are things that I might have done differently if I get an opportunity again, but also it’s not the end of the world.”
Root, a former England captain, has now gone 29 innings without a century against Australia in test matches Down Under, drawing criticism of his form. However, the 34-year-old remains confident in his ability to score.
“I’m making sure I’m clear on how I want to construct an innings against the pink ball in these conditions, against this attack. That’s what this week’s about … just readying yourself as best as possible, having good conversations around things on how we can work together and build those big partnerships that are going to set up games for us,” Root had added.
(With inputs from Agencies)
About the Author
Ritayan Basu
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket cont…Read More
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December 03, 2025, 10:37 IST
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