Ashes 2025-26: WATCH – “Last thing I want to do at 54,” Hayden fears his bold prediction about Joe Root may backfire
Australian legend Matthew Hayden fears that his bold prediction about veteran England batter Joe Root’s performance in the ongoing Ashes series may backfire.
Hayden had expressed confidence that Root would end his century drought Down Under this time around. “I will walk nude around the MCG if he doesn’t make a hundred this summer,” the former Aussie opener had declared
However, the No.1-ranked Test batter failed to make a mark in the Ashes opener at Perth, returning with scores of 0 and 8 as England lost the match by eight wickets in just two days to concede 1-0 lead to Australia in the five-match series.
Ahead of the pink-ball Test in Brisbane, Hayden was asked about his prediction by former England cricketer-turned-commentator Michael Atherton on Sky Sports.
In reply, Hayden said: “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 added, “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.”
Is Matthew Hayden concerned he might have to run naked across the MCG if Joe Root gets a century?! ???????? pic.twitter.com/xbnl7KALGV
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) December 2, 2025
Meanwhile, Joe Root sounded confident about regaining his form in the second Ashes Test at Gabba.
“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, the second highest run-getter in Test history, often draws criticism for his underwhelming display in Australia, where he has now gone 29 Test innings without a century. However, the 34-year-old backed 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 remarked.
