Latest news with #MatthewHayden
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Glamorous cricket commentator Grace Hayden kicks off her new career with a VERY risque revelation about her legendary dad stripping naked on a tour
Cricket commentator Grace Hayden has been taking the broadcasting world by storm and has just embarked on her latest venture. She is the daughter of legendary Australian cricket superstar, Matthew Hayden, and has spent the last year working for Star Sports on their coverage of the Indian Premier League, Channel 7's horse racing and the GT20 in Canada. The 23-year-old has now made her podcasting debut, launching her own series on Willow TV, entitled Game On with Grace Hayden, and welcomed a very special guest for the first episode. She was joined by her dad's old team-mate and fellow Aussie cricket legend Adam Gilchrist, with the pair going on to recount some of the wicketkeeper's greatest and funniest stories from his time playing with the Test side between 1999 and 2008. And it is no surprise that Hayden's dad, Matthew, featured in one of Gilly's funniest stories, a yarn that Grace later admitted her mother hates. The Aussie Test side had just won a match in Cape Town in South Africa. They had gone into the dressing room to perform the customary team song. But things escalated as Gilchrist admitted that the team decided to 'take things off-piste'. Hayden has been taking the broadcasting world by storm and has just embarked on her latest venture 'We ended up going off to the cable car in Cape Town, up to Table Mountain,' Gilchrist explained to the Game On with Grace Hayden podcast. 'Some [players] were in the cable car, others were on the roof of the cable car, which OH&S wouldn't have a great time with. Asked who got on top of the car, Gilly revealed: 'Well, one M. Hayden was on top of there and not only that, but he decided to drop a nude bomb. 'So he's basically stark naked with an Aussie flag draping around his neck. 'So, think Leonardo DiCaprio at the front of the Titanic... That was his 'king of the world' type moment.' Speaking to Perth Now, Grace revealed another funny aspect of the story. 'Mum absolutely despises that,' she told the outlet. 'She was pregnant with the youngest back at home. But honestly, what goes on on tour, I think, should stay behind closed doors. 'Thank goodness there were no cell phones and video footage of that one,' she joked. Grace spoke affectionately of her father, one of the Australian cricket team's great larrikins. While many remember his sensational and ruthless ability to slog cricket balls with the bat, Grace admits her dad has a softer side. 'Obviously, he didn't have that reputation back on the cricket pitch, but anyone who knows him now, he's just a big, soft teddy bear,' she explained to Perth Now. The emerging Aussie presenter explained to the outlet that her new podcast hopes to take a deep dive behind the scenes at the lives of much loved and revered Australian athletes. 'Obviously, we see the records, we see them at their highest. But getting to know them off the field or off the court, and just having a chat and a space to have heart-to-heart conversations and have a laugh, tell some untold stories,' she added. The glamorous TV presenter also has an eye for fashion, but admitted that she and her dad don't quite agree when it comes to his outfit choices. Matthew is known for sporting his now iconic cowboy hat when he makes an appearance on TV. And that is the one thing Grace says they can agree on. Hayden landed one of the biggest breaks of her budding TV career this year, working as a presenter for Star Sports' coverage of the Indian Premier League 'Fashion isn't the thing that we see eye to eye on,' she said. 'I actually like the big hat on Dad. I think it suits him.' During the podcast, Gilchrist also praised that group of players, not only for talent, but for the bond they all shared during those long tours. 'That was a team that knew they had something unique by way of skill level and achievement. But maintained a sense of humour throughout,' he added. He also revealed a touching story about how he arrived later than the rest of the squad at the 2007 Cricket World Cup in the Carribbean. He had flown out after having become a dad but admitted he was 'pretty flat' having to leave his partner and the baby behind. 'I was starting to question [whether] I should be there. The first night I found a quiet little beach bar, I had a beer, and as you do, you celebrate your little stogie. But I took a companion with me and that happened to be your old man,' he told Grace. 'Of course,' she replied. 'We've all celebrated all our children pretty well,' Gilchrist added. 'But moments like that, just sitting and talking. She has recently been spending time in Italy on vacation with her boyfriend Wilson Statham (right) and several other friends 'I ended up in tears about how emotional I was. Just leaning on those around you. 'The next night I went and did the same. He came again. And then the next night, until the point where John Buchanan said: 'Righto, Gilly come here. Are you ready to get into this World Cup now?' And I think I asked him for one more night.' He revealed they got their extra night out, but he added he 'wasn't the one lone ranger. I think everyone came along and we had a nice blowout'.
Perth Now
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Aus cricket great's daughter spills crazy untold team story
Raised in the shadow of an Australian cricket great, emerging TV personality Grace Hayden is out to prove she's more than just 'Matthew Hayden's daughter' as she steers her very own sports show for US broadcaster Willow. Launching her weekly video podcast on Monday morning, titled Game On with Grace, the project continues an upward trajectory for the 23-year-old following stints as a presenter for the IPL, Channel 7's horse racing coverage, and the GT20 Canada. 'We came up with the idea of uncovering and showing a guide to the athletes that we know and love,' she told PerthNow. 'Obviously, we see the records, we see them at their highest. But getting to know them off the field or off the court, and just having a chat and a space to have heart-to-heart conversations and have a laugh, tell some untold stories.' Grace Hayden presenting in India. Credit: Grace Hayden Pursuing modelling as a teenager, Hayden's love for the spotlight began as a youngster when the cameras chased her family around airports or cricket grounds in the wake of her dad's various accomplishments. But hardly a slouch on the field, the high-achiever won most sports girl of the year awards in high school and was the 'most competitive person you've ever met'. However, carrying the burden of her famous name meant the precocious youngster faced more scrutiny than most. 'People always want to have their comment or their say, but, you know, it builds thicker skin, and it teaches you to work hard on your own merit,' she admitted. Grace Hayden flaunts a glamorous look. Credit: Grace Hayden / IG With trailblazing wicket keeper-batsman Adam Gilchrist as her show's first guest, the host said she could she could never have imagined the revered figures she grew up around would one day spill their private moments on camera to 'little Gracie'. Because many yarns of yesteryear have not quite enjoyed their full spin, even those involving the debaucherous side to her father. 'Gilly, on the podcast, told a story of, back in South Africa, a World Cup or something that they won, and he (Matthew Hayden) got on top of the gondola (cable car) in Cape Town naked with the Australian flag wrapped around him. So that was a goody,' she laughed. 'Mum absolutely despises that, she was pregnant with the youngest back home. But honestly, what goes on in tour, I think should stay behind closed doors. 'Thank goodness there were no cell phones and video footage of that one.' The former keeper said players would strengthen their bonds while on tour, and in that instance, they took the team song away from the change room. 'Some were in the cable car, others were on the roof of the cable car... OH&S wouldn't have had a great time,' Gilchrist recalled. Speaking effusively of her father's relationship with fellow opener Justin Langer, Hayden said it's special to see their connection grow in the years following both of their retirements. Labelling the West Aussie and her father as an 'unlikely pair' with a good friendship, she explained that another former star-turned-coach has stayed just as tight with her dad. 'Even to this day, they're super close to him, JL and Punter (Ricky Ponting), they're just the deadly trio, we like to call them,' she said. Hayden said the ferocity with which her father wielded the bat does not match the bubbly and happy-go-lucky approach he has as a broadcaster. 'Obviously, he didn't have that reputation back on the cricket pitch, but anyone who knows him now, he's just a big, soft teddy bear,' she said. Matthew Hayden cradles daughter Grace during his playing career. Credit: Grace Hayden/IG / IG Enjoying a social following of 300,000, and regularly flaunting her many glamorous looks, the young presenter looks every bit the rising media star. However, like many children, she doesn't quite agree with the fashion choices of the generation before her. One point of contention is her dad's larger-than-life hat collection that has caught the eye of fans across the world. And not always for the right reasons. 'Fashion isn't the thing that we see eye to eye on,' she joked, adding, 'I actually like the big hat on Dad. I think it suits him'. While too young to witness her father's famous knock of 380 at the WACA in 2003, Hayden has enjoyed recent visits to Perth, including her attendance at Mandurah Crab Fest in 2024 with her father who is an avid fisherman. And she's been twisting the arm of her boyfriend, Wilson Statham, to take her whale shark dark diving up the WA coast when time permits. Wilson Statham and Grace Hayden. Credit: Grace Hayden/IG / IG 'I'm a surfer, so you've kind of got it all,' Hayden said. 'Beautiful beaches, nice wine, beautiful people. But the Crab Fest, it was such a nice community vibe, good food, music. It had it all, really. And in Mandurah, what a spot to be, very lucky.' Fans can watch Game On with Grace on all major podcast platforms.
West Australian
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- West Australian
Grace Hayden: Adam Gilchrist reveals hilarious story about Matthew Hayden on Game On with Grace podcast
Raised in the shadow of an Australian cricket great, emerging TV personality Grace Hayden is out to prove she's more than just 'Matthew Hayden's daughter' as she steers her very own sports show for US broadcaster Willow. Launching her weekly video podcast on Monday morning, titled Game On with Grace , the project continues an upward trajectory for the 23-year-old following stints as a presenter for the IPL, Channel 7's horse racing coverage, and the GT20 Canada. 'We came up with the idea of uncovering and showing a guide to the athletes that we know and love,' she told PerthNow. 'Obviously, we see the records, we see them at their highest. But getting to know them off the field or off the court, and just having a chat and a space to have heart-to-heart conversations and have a laugh, tell some untold stories.' Pursuing modelling as a teenager, Hayden's love for the spotlight began as a youngster when the cameras chased her family around airports or cricket grounds in the wake of her dad's various accomplishments. But hardly a slouch on the field, the high-achiever won most sports girl of the year awards in high school and was the 'most competitive person you've ever met'. However, carrying the burden of her famous name meant the precocious youngster faced more scrutiny than most. 'People always want to have their comment or their say, but, you know, it builds thicker skin, and it teaches you to work hard on your own merit,' she admitted. With trailblazing wicket keeper-batsman Adam Gilchrist as her show's first guest, the host said she could she could never have imagined the revered figures she grew up around would one day spill their private moments on camera to 'little Gracie'. Because many yarns of yesteryear have not quite enjoyed their full spin, even those involving the debaucherous side to her father. 'Gilly, on the podcast, told a story of, back in South Africa, a World Cup or something that they won, and he (Matthew Hayden) got on top of the gondola (cable car) in Cape Town naked with the Australian flag wrapped around him. So that was a goody,' she laughed. 'Mum absolutely despises that, she was pregnant with the youngest back home. But honestly, what goes on in tour, I think should stay behind closed doors. 'Thank goodness there were no cell phones and video footage of that one.' The former keeper said players would form strengthen their bonds while on tour, and in that instance, they took the team song away from the change room. 'Some were in the cable car, others were on the roof of the cable car... which, OH&S wouldn't have had a great time,' Gilchrist recalled. Speaking effusively of her father's relationship with fellow opener Justin Langer, Hayden said it's special to see their bond continue in the years following both of their retirements. Labelling the West Aussie and her father as an 'unlikely pair' with a good friendship, she explained that another former star-turned-coach has stayed just as tight with her dad. 'Even to this day, they're super close to him, JL and Punter (Ricky Ponting), they're just the deadly trio, we like to call them,' she said. Hayden said the ferocity with which her father wielded the bat does not match the bubbly and happy-go-lucky approach he has as a broadcaster. 'Obviously, he didn't have that reputation back on the cricket pitch, but anyone who knows him now, he's just a big, soft teddy bear,' she said. Enjoying a social following of 300,000, and regularly flaunting her many glamorous looks, the young presenter looks every bit the rising media star. However, like many children, she doesn't quite agree with the fashion choices of the generation before her. One point of contention is her dad's larger-than-life hat collection that has caught the eye of fans across the world. And not always for the right reasons. 'Fashion isn't the thing that we see eye to eye on,' she joked, adding, 'I actually like the big hat on Dad. I think it suits him'. While too young to witness her father's famous knock of 380 at the WACA in 2003, Hayden has enjoyed recent visits to Perth, including her attendance at Mandurah Crab Fest in 2024 with her father who is an avid fisherman. And she's been twisting the arm of her boyfriend, Wilson Statham, to take her whale shark dark diving up the WA coast when time permits. 'I'm a surfer, so you've kind of got it all,' Hayden said. 'Beautiful beaches, nice wine, beautiful people. But the Crab Fest, it was such a nice community vibe, good food, music. It had it all, really. And in Mandurah, what a spot to be, very lucky.' Fans can watch Game On with Grace on all major podcast platforms.
News.com.au
4 days ago
- Sport
- News.com.au
Brian Lara's phone call to Matthew Hayden after Aussie broke cricket's most iconic record
Brian Lara has revealed he rang the Australian dressing room in the middle of the night to congratulate Matthew Hayden on breaking his record, only to take it back the following year. Cricket fanatics would have been nostalgic for Lara's left handed strokemaking during the West Indies' 3-0 Test series loss to Australia in the Caribbean this month, but he still holds arguably cricket's most iconic record. Lara's knock of 400 not out against England in Antigua in 2004 remains the highest individual score by a batter in Test cricket and it doesn't look like being broken any time soon. Even on the rare occasions players come close, they are reluctant to even consider chasing the record and wiping the West Indies legend from the history books. South Africa's Wiaan Mulder scored 367 not out against Zimbabwe earlier this month, but his coach Shukri Conrad made the call to declare at 5/626 to let Lara's record live another day. 'Speaking to coach Shukri Conrad (Shuks) he kinda said to me: 'Listen, let the legends keep the really good scores',' Mulder said. Lara has held the record twice — he scored 375 against England as a youngster in 1994, which remained as Test cricket's highest individual score until Hayden bludgeoned 380 against Zimbabwe at the WACA in 2003. Speaking on The Overlap and Betfair's Stick to Cricket show, Lara recalled the moment he found out Hayden had broken his record, as you can watch in the video above. 'I was asleep in Jamaica and my agent called me and said, 'I have a number for you to call in the Perth dressing room, someone just broke your record',' Lara said. 'So, I called the dressing room. It was very noisy, very loud and I got to Matthew then congratulated him.' Lara didn't have to wait too long to get the record back, famously scoring 400 in the fourth Test of the 2004 series against England in Antigua. 'Funnily enough, I felt that for that 10-year period I had a lot of stress because of those records,' he conceded. 'One of my things was to try and be a good captain and leader, not to be strangled by the record, so I didn't worry too much about it - but then came England again 10 years later …' Lara is one of 15 players who have scored 10,000 Test runs — he finished his 131-match career with 34 centuries at an average of 52.9. The 56-year-old also shared his reverence for the late Shane Warne, with whom he shared many great battles on the field. The pair later became great friends before the legspinner's tragic death in 2022. 'Of course I got on with Shane Warne, we had a great time together,' Lara said. 'He is the best - I'd go out to bat against Muttiah Muralitharan, and I was confused. 'He gave me more pressure than Shane, but I'd walk out to bat against Shane and the ball would be coming off the middle and about 2-3pm he just produces this magical delivery or spell. 'That's why I rate him higher, because I think he was mentally stronger. With his bowling attack and the pitches he bowled on which favoured the fast bowlers, for him to pick up that number of wickets is very special.' 'The best team I ever faced by far was Australia in 1995. The defeat in the West Indies for the first time in 50 years, from then we were unable to turn things around - they were the toughest but also brought out the best in me.'
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Glamorous daughter of sporting legend slams claims she's a nepo baby as she prepares to launch new podcast
Cricket commentator Grace Hayden has come to her own defence after being branded a ' nepo baby '. The glamorous sports presenter, who is the daughter of cricket icon Matthew Hayden, hit back at claims she has achieved success thanks to her famous dad, revealing it was actually a lot tougher to make a name for herself in the industry. 'More often than not, you have to work harder to prove to yourself that you actually deserve to be there,' the 23-year-old told The Sunday Telegraph. 'So I love that challenge aspect of the situation that I am so grateful and lucky to be born into, but it's a genuine passion and love that I have for the game, and I couldn't see myself doing anything else now.' But while Grace hasn't relied on on her father's name, she admits that he's her biggest supporter. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. 'He's always stoked to see me achieve new heights and we always have a laugh together.' Grace, who recently went international after covering the cricket in India, is set to lead cricket coverage in one of its biggest untapped markets - America. Hosting a new weekly video podcast called Game On With Grace, she will aim to introduce cricket to a broader U.S. audience through engaging stories, conversations and personalities. The show will stream on Willow, the premier cricket network in the United States, known for its 24-hour cricket coverage across the country. Cricket has long struggled to gain traction in the US, but Grace's podcast signals a modern, media-savvy approach to breaking through in a competitive sporting landscape. She hopes to bridge the gap between the cricketing world and American viewers by showcasing the sport's energy, global appeal and human stories. Her debut guest will be Adam Gilchrist, a fellow Australian cricket great and one of the most iconic wicketkeeper-batsmen in history. Together, Gilchrist and Grace's dad Matthew helped Australia dominate world cricket in the early 2000s, and now their legacy continues through Grace and her groundbreaking podcast. 'Game On is about pulling back the curtain on the world of sports' untold stories,' Grace said. 'I grew up in cricket's front row and have covered its biggest tournaments, but the moments that fascinate me most happen off camera. 'Partnering with Willow allows me to share those raw, funny, and inspiring conversations with athletes, artists, and anyone chasing greatness. 'I can't wait to bring these stories to fans each week on the Willow app and wherever they listen to podcasts.'
