Grace Hayden, the daughter of cricket icon Matthew Hayden, is quite relieved by Joe Root‘s first Test century in Australia. In an effort to show her appreciation, Grace joked on social media that her father would no longer need to go around the Melbourne Cricket Ground nude.
Hayden had already made the amusing vow to run naked at the MCG if Root didn’t get a hundred in the current Ashes series. Root had played fifteen Test matches in Australia before this innings, but he had yet to score a century—a startling lapse in an otherwise outstanding career. There were concerns that Root may depart Australian soil once more without ending this drought after his difficulties in the first Test.
On Day 1 of the pink-ball Test at the Gabba, however, the English batsman seemed in control as he scored a tough century from 181 balls. Shortly after the milestone, Grace posted a video to Instagram Stories with the comment, “Root thank you.” All of our eyes have been saved by you. Her big fan base and the amusing background of her father’s promise contributed to the post’s rapid virality.
Hayden had an amusing response of his own. Hayden added a humorous element to an already unforgettable day as he enthusiastically danced outside the commentary box as soon as Root reached his hundred.
For the first time in the series, England surpassed 300 thanks to Root’s innings, which served as the foundation for their total.
With a strong cameo from No. 11 Jofra Archer (38 off 36), he led England to 334 in their opening innings while remaining undefeated at 138 off 206 balls. Zak Crawley had previously scored 76. Mitchell Starc bowled with the pink ball, and Root deftly handled his difficult spells.
Australia scored 378/6 in response, with Steven Smith (61) leading the way, Marnus Labuschagne (65), and Jake Weatherald (72). Australia leads the second Test at Brisbane by 44 runs after Brydon Carse of England recorded 3/113 at the end of Day 2.
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