Joe Root Breaks His Australia Century Jinx

During the second Test of the Ashes 2025–26 series, Joe Root finally overcame his long wait for a Test century on Australian soil. After a drought of 15 Tests without a ton Down Under — spanning more than a decade — he reached triple figures on Day 1 at the Gabba.  It was a landmark inning in a challenging environment, and Root’s knock didn’t just end a personal slump, it also added a psychological edge for England against Australia.

Root’s century was a long time coming: though he had several fifties in Australia before, he had never capitalised and turned one into three figures on prior tours. This time, however, he showed discipline, composure and maturity — guiding England to a solid start. 

Hayden’s Dare — And Relief

Before the series began, former Australian great Matthew Hayden made headlines with a bold wager: if Joe Root failed to score a hundred in Australia, he pledged to walk around the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) naked.  The unusual challenge, half-humorous and half daring, quickly caught fans’ attention.

With Root finally delivering, Hayden — and many who had followed the dare — could breathe a sigh of relief. In a video shared after the ton, Hayden congratulated Root warmly, remarking that “no one had more skin in the game than me, literally.”  The promise, now rendered moot, became part of post-match banter and lighthearted cricket lore.

Root’s Gracious Response & Public Reaction

After reaching the century, Root responded with graciousness and a bit of cheeky humour. Acknowledging Hayden’s earlier comments, he said it was “kind of him to send those words,” calling Hayden “an Australian great who has done special things in the game.” He added that it felt nice to win the goodwill of the Australian public — noting that now “the Australian public don’t have to witness that” (i.e., the dare) — and joked that Hayden’s family would likely be quite “happy too.” 

The reaction from fans and media was swift. Many celebrated not only the century but also the playful drama surrounding the dare. Some described Hayden as the “happiest person on earth” after the event — not for the promise itself, but relief that it didn’t have to be fulfilled. 

As Root walked off with his first Test hundred in Australia, it marked more than a statistical milestone: it balanced rivalry, humour and respect — a reminder that cricket often blends skill, tradition, and the occasional bit of fun.