Former Indian opening batsman Aakash Chopra recently shared an interesting anecdote about Matthew Hayden, the Australian cricket legend and father of Grace Hayden. Recalling the 2004 Test series between India and Australia, Chopra recounted a humorous incident where Hayden attempted to engage in sledging. The surprise came because Chopra wasn’t even in the playing eleven for that particular match. Chopra found the Australian’s actions quite unexpected.
In ‘The Cheaky Singles,’ Aakash Chopra stated that Hayden sledged him one day even though he wasn’t part of the playing XI. Chopra asked Hayden why he was being targeted, considering he had just arrived on the field. Hayden inquired whether the pitch was turning. Chopra responded that Hayden, as the batsman, should have a better understanding of the pitch conditions, while he, Chopra, was only on the field temporarily and would soon return to the dressing room. Hayden was not pleased. However, as is often the case, the events on the field stayed on the field.
Matthew Hayden debuted for Australia in 1993. In 2004, he scored 380 runs against Zimbabwe, setting a new record for the highest individual score in Test cricket at the time. However, Brian Lara surpassed this record six months later, scoring an unbeaten 400 runs against England. Hayden retired in 2008, having played 103 Test matches, accumulating 8625 runs with 30 centuries. He also excelled in white-ball cricket, scoring 6133 runs in 161 ODIs, with 10 centuries, and 308 runs in 8 T20 matches.
Grace Hayden, Matthew Hayden’s daughter, is an anchor for the Delhi Premier League 2025. She has also worked with Star Sports during the Indian Premier League. Grace is also a friend of Sachin Tendulkar’s daughter. When asked about her favorite Indian cricketer, Grace Hayden chose Virat Kohli.
Both Matthew Hayden and Aakash Chopra have successfully transitioned into commentary after retiring from international cricket. They both have a large global following. Chopra also runs a YouTube channel where he discusses player performances. Aakash Chopra scored 437 runs in 10 Test matches for Team India, with an average of 23. He recorded two half-centuries, with his best score being 60.
