Root Addresses Hayden’s Ashes Bet Amid Century Drought

England’s seasoned batter, Joe Root, has responded to Matthew Hayden’s bold prediction regarding his century drought in Australia, remarking that ‘it doesn’t significantly alter anything’.

Despite his impressive Test record, Root has yet to achieve a century in Australia, accumulating 892 runs at an average of 35.68.

However, since Australia last hosted the major Test series in 2022, the right-handed batsman has notched 15 centuries, boasting an average of 64.64.

Root’s remarkable form in Test cricket has intensified discussions surrounding his century drought in Australia, particularly with the Ashes series drawing near.

While some former Australian cricketers have alluded to Root’s century drought in Australia leading up to this year’s Ashes, Hayden has confidently backed the 34-year-old to finally break the jinx this summer.

During a recent YouTube podcast, Hayden stated, ‘I will walk n*de around the MCG if he doesn’t make a hundred this summer.’

With the Ashes commencement less than 50 days away, Root has finally addressed Hayden’s comments, acknowledging that it has placed additional pressure on him to end his Test century drought in Australia. He emphasized that the focus of the upcoming tour is on the England team’s collective success.

‘Maybe it is,’ Root conceded.

‘Ultimately, this tour is not about me.’

‘If I am scoring runs and scoring heavily, it significantly enhances our chances of winning a series in Australia.’

Root further stated that any remarks made by Hayden or other cricket analysts would soon be forgotten, while the series outcome would be permanently etched in history.

‘They are going to express their opinions regardless, so why dwell on it? It doesn’t have a substantial impact,’ Root added.

‘Looking back in five years, nobody will recall what Matthew Hayden, Greg Blewett, Mark Waugh, or anyone else said to me.’

‘They will remember the final score and whether it was a historic England victory or not.’