See Aussie cricket great turned Channel Seven star's cringeworthy commentary moment that left fans calling for him to be axed
Cricket fans have called for Australian cricket great Matthew Hayden to be axed from Channel 7’s coverage of the Ashes after branding his pre-match monologue ahead of the second Test in Brisbane ‘cringeworthy’.
Hayden took to the stands at The Gabba venue to deliver what was a stirring speech in which the Queenslander took veiled digs at the state of Victoria and England while professing how great the Sunshine State is.
At times he appeared to ramble, and mispronounced several words, before regathering his train of thought again and issuing a rallying cry to Australia to claim a 2-0 victory in the series.
‘Welcome to the Woolloongabba,’ Hayden began, addressing the TV cameras while being surrounded by a group of Aussie fans.
‘Welcome to my back yard. This place is just singing. I’d love to reach into the screens wherever you are watching and just grab you and sit you right here beside me and tell you how every young Queensland kid dreams of playing at the Gabba. Dreams of walking through that tunnel 30m over there and wanting to play in front of his mates of 40,000-plus that we’ve got here today.
Cricket fans have called for Australian cricket great Matthew Hayden to be axed from Channel 7’s coverage of the Ashes
Hayden (left) took to the stands at The Gabba venue to deliver what was a stirring speech in which the Queenslander took veiled digs at the state of Victoria and England while professing how great the Sunshine State is
‘This is something really special. Talking of special, we’re a pretty rare breed up here us Queenslanders as you can see. Tough not timid. Work hard but don’t wear it as a badge of honour. When times are tough we help each other out.’
Hayden then dramatically switched gear, taking a swipe at Australia’s southern states.
‘No doubt about it we have got cricket down in the south of our country - that may be where it was born - but the reality of it is I can tell you this: This is where we work to get tough in the hot Queensland baking sun. Legends like of course, Greg Chappell, what skill. Ian Healy, all heart. And of course, Allan Border, just doing AB stuff because he is the king of The Gabba. Talented, you betcha, tough, debatable.’
The Queensland cricket legend couldn’t resist pointing out England’s gloomy record at The Gabba, with the tourists having not won at the Queensland venue since 1986.
‘You know what, this is Ashes cricket and anything can happen. It’s been 14,216 days since England last won up here. You could walk to the moon and back for that. And let me tell you also, Broady [Stuart Broad], this is a place of legend for Cricket Australia, it’s not a weapon it is a fortress.
‘So as they say Broady, best of British, this is the Ashes. This is the first day of the second Test and our locals here are going to try and eat you alive.’
However, Hayden, who scored 8,625 runs across 103 Tests, was criticised by some fans on social media, who branded his commentary ‘cringeworthy’.
The 52-year-old retired from all forms of cricket in September 2012, having also played for Hampshire and Northamptonshire in the County Championship and the Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash.
Since retiring, he has been a regular face on TV screens, notably appearing as a pundit for Fox and Seven’s cricket shows, while also being seen commentating on the ICC’s feed for the World Test Championship earlier this year.
‘Matthew Hayden great opening batsman also possibly the most cringeworthy commentator of all time,’ one wrote.
Since retiring, he has been a regular face on TV screens, notably appearing as a pundit for Fox and Seven’s cricket shows, while also being seen commentating on the ICC’s feed for the World Test Championship earlier this year
The 52-year-old retired from all forms of cricket in September 2012, having also played for Hampshire and Northamptonshire in the County Championship and the Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash
‘If Channel 7 wanted to make money they could ask viewers to pay to remove Matthew Hayden from commentary. Probably make enough in one day to end world hunger,’ one said on X
Another: ‘Again, could someone near the Channel 7 commentary box hand this to Matthew Hayden?
‘And also remind him it's television not radio, so he doesn't have to fill every moment with the sound of his own voice. Thanks.
'Starc at it again. Joe Root & Zak Crawley, show some fight boys. Save Matthew Hayden.'
