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Hayden's bet: Root century or a naked walk?
4 Dec
Summary
- Matthew Hayden wagered he'd walk around the MCG naked if Joe Root didn't score a century.
- Joe Root's past Ashes performances in Australia are statistically poor.
- Hayden links modern batting issues to T20 influence and training methods.
Former Australia opening batsman Matthew Hayden made a bold promise: he would run naked around the Melbourne Cricket Ground if England's Joe Root did not score a century during The Ashes series. Following Root's low scores of zero and eight in the first Test, which England lost decisively, Hayden voiced his apprehension about his wager.
Hayden highlighted Root's struggles in Australia, where he has yet to score a Test century after numerous attempts. He observed that Root's playing style, particularly his dabs outside off-stump, could be exploited by Australian bowlers, especially under lights with a pink ball at the Gabba. This echoes England's dramatic collapse in the first Test, where they lost wickets rapidly.
Beyond Root, Hayden commented on a broader decline in batting technique. He suggested that excessive reliance on high-speed bowling machines and the influence of T20 cricket prevent players from developing the footwork and situational awareness needed to handle pressure and varying pitch conditions, potentially leading to a different result in matches.
