Former Australian pacer Jason Gillespie humorously mocked his former teammate Matthew Hayden over a bold claim made ahead of the Ashes. Hayden had jokingly stated that he would walk naked around the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) if England’s Joe Root failed to score a century in the series.

Gillespie, speaking on the ‘All Over Bar the Cricket’ podcast, didn’t miss the opportunity to tease Hayden for his unusual pledge. The two shared a laugh over the unusual bet, with Gillespie playfully questioning Hayden’s seriousness and commitment to the promise. Fans also enjoyed the lighthearted banter, which showcased the camaraderie between the former Australian cricketers.

The exchange has since gone viral on social media, with cricket enthusiasts sharing clips and memes. While the Ashes contest between Australia and England promises intense cricketing action, this humorous moment added a fun, human touch to the pre-series hype, reminding fans of the lighter side of the sport.

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Jason Gillespie Humorously Mocked His Former Teammate:

Jason Gillespie humorously reacted to Matthew Hayden’s bold claim, joking that nobody would want to see him naked. He also recalled Hayden making a similar comment when Gillespie scored a double century in a Test against Bangladesh, highlighting their playful camaraderie off the field.

He said, “ He's got form here. He said the same thing when I made my double hundred in Bangladesh. I was on 70 or 80, and he said if you get a hundred or a double hundred, I'll do a nude lap. I said that's all good mate.”

He further said, “ But you've got to remember that we are in a Muslim country, so not sure that's going to work. To be fair Haydos, no one wants to see you without clothes, mate. I'm sorry. No one needs to see that.”

In the 2006 second Test at Chattogram, Jason Gillespie, sent in as a nightwatchman at number three, played a remarkable innings, scoring an unbeaten 201 off 425 balls with 26 fours and two sixes, helping Australia secure a dominant victory by an innings and 80 runs.

Jason Gillespie Supports Hayden’s Prediction of Root Century:

Joe Root, despite his reputation as one of the finest Test batters, is still searching for his first century on Australian soil. In 27 innings across Ashes tours, Root has managed 892 runs at an average of 35.68, including nine fifties but no three-figure score.

With the Ashes 2025–26 approaching, Matthew Hayden expressed confidence that Root will finally break the drought and score a hundred in Australia. Former pacer Jason Gillespie echoed Hayden’s views, backing the English veteran to overcome past struggles and deliver a landmark innings in the upcoming series. Both believe this could be Root’s defining Ashes moment.

He added, “ I absolutely agree with Matty Hayden. I think he will get a hundred on this tour. Joe is too good a player. It is a quirky little stat that he hasn't scored a hundred in Australia. I certainly think that will change this tour. He finds a way to keep improving.”