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Hayden's history with the Ashes is both intimidating and 'cheeky'
Before Matthew Hayden became Australia's most feared opening batter in the Ashes, he was Hampshire's golden run machine in 1997. Averaging over 53 that summer, the powerful left-hander smashed 2,426 runs, including a stunning 235* and 119 against Warwickshire at Southampton. Four years later, that same brutal strokeplay would haunt England across three unforgettable Ashes series.
Brisbane Brutality (2002-03)
When Nasser Hussain won the toss at the Gabba and uttered those infamous words "We're gonna have a bowl", Hayden made him pay spectacularly. By the fifth over, Hussain knew his mistake: "The ball swung a bit at first and I thought: 'Maybe this is going to work out.' But by the fifth or sixth over nothing was happening and the world was closing in on me. I thought to myself: 'Oh God, Nass, what have you done?'"
What he had done was unleash Hayden. Scoring 197 in the first innings and 103 in the second, Hayden plundered 300 runs in a single Test as Australia raced to 364 for 2 on day one. Steve Waugh later wrote: "Tame, lame stuff that allowed Matthew Hayden and Ricky Ponting to take the match beyond England's reach after just two sessions of play and set the mood for the whole series." Hayden finished with 496 runs at an average of 62 as Australia cruised to a 4-1 series victory.
The 2005 Ashes
Then came cricket's greatest series and Hayden's darkest hour. At Edgbaston, Matthew Hoggard swung one through his defences for a golden duck - the first of Hayden's Test career. He couldn't reach 40 in the first four Tests as England's pace attack tormented him. His position hung by a thread. Then, at The Oval, with Australia desperate to retain the Ashes, Hayden produced 138 off 303 balls. It saved his career and sparked a renaissance that saw him score centuries in four consecutive Tests.
Tears of Joy (2007)
Fourteen months later, Australia reclaimed the Ashes with victory in Perth. An emotional Hayden declared, "Every second of our hard work over the past 14 months has been worth it." Tears streamed down his face as the urn returned home. Days later at the Boxing Day Test, he struck 153 to hammer home Australia's dominance in a 5-0 whitewash. The scars of 2005 had been healed in the most emphatic fashion possible.
The Root Bet
Fast forward to September 2025, and the retired legend made a bold declaration about Joe Root, who'd never scored a Test century in Australia: "I'll walk nude around the MCG if he doesn't make a hundred this summer." After Root managed just 0 and 8 in the first Test at Perth, panic set in. Hayden admitted: "The last thing I want to do at 54 is spend the rest of my life in jail!" His daughter Grace even pleaded on Instagram: "Please @root66 make a hundred." On December 4, 2025, Root's 135* at the Gabba saved Hayden from the most embarrassing lap of honour in cricket history. "There was no one that had more skin in the game than me, literally," Hayden joked.
From Southampton to the Gabba, Matthew Hayden's Ashes legacy remains one of power, redemption, and recently, remarkable relief. Hampshire witnessed his talent first. England endured his dominance. And Joe Root? He saved him from the walk of shame.
Be Part of History in 2027
The Ashes have always delivered unforgettable moments. Hayden's Brisbane masterclass. That golden duck at Edgbaston. The tears in Perth. In 2027, Hampshire will host its first Men's Ashes Test when England takes on Australia at Utilita Bowl.
