Joe Root’s maiden Test hundred has given Grace Hayden a massive sense of relief. Grace, the daughter of legendary cricketer Matthew Hayden, took to Instagram to thank the gods that her father would not have to run naked around the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Matthew Hayden had jokingly promised that he would run nude in Melbourne if Root failed to score a hundred in the ongoing Ashes series. Before this innings, the English batter had played fifteen Test matches in Australia without scoring a single century, which was considered a surprising blemish in what has otherwise been an exceptional career.

Ashes, 2nd Test Day 2: Updates

After Root’s struggles in the opening Test, it seemed possible that he might return home without breaking the drought once again. However, the veteran batter looked in commanding touch on Day 1 of the pink ball Test at the Gabba and produced a gritty century off 181 balls.

Grace Hayden posted an Instagram story shortly after Root reached the milestone, captioning the video with the words: “Root thank you. You’ve saved all our eyes.” Her post quickly went viral across social media, helped by her significant following and the humorous nature of her father’s earlier promise.

Matthew Hayden had his own hilarious reaction to Root’s achievement. As soon as Root reached the hundred, Hayden broke into an enthusiastic dance outside the commentary box, a moment that the Channel 7 crew captured and shared widely. The celebration added an extra layer of lighthearted fun to an already memorable day in the Ashes series.

Joe Root and England had a memorable day on Day 1 of the second Test. Root’s hundred took England to a 300+ total for the first time in this series.

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