In a delightful break from the intense rivalry of the T20 World Cup 2026, the ICC’s official Instagram handle recently shared a viral gem that has cricket fans smiling. The video features popular sports presenter Grace Hayden hilariously channeling her ‘inner Haydos’ by perfectly imitating the signature batting mechanics of her father, the legendary Australian opener Matthew Hayden.
Sports presenter Grace recreates father Matthew Hayden’s famous batting technique in hilarious fashion
The video captures Grace leaning into the family genes with surprising accuracy and a sharp sense of humor. Rather than just a casual pose, she hilariously recreates the specific mannerisms that once haunted the world’s best fast bowlers. Grace funnily replicates the ‘big burly Queenslander’ walk, taking those iconic two steps down the track that her father used to neutralize swing and turn.
She nails the wide, imposing base and the high back-lift, capturing that exact moment where Matthew would “look down” the pitch to dominate the bowler’s psyche. With comedic timing, she mimics the violent flourish of the bat and the follow-through of the lofted drive over long-on, a shot that Matthew famously used to dismantle attacks during the T20 World Cup.
Here’s the video:
— Blablabla (@Bhaukal_ba1) February 14, 2026
While she may be the daughter of a cricketing icon, Grace Hayden has carved out a distinct and powerful identity in the broadcasting world through her own merit and digital savvy. Her journey into the spotlight accelerated in 2023 with her debut on Star Sports, where her natural charisma and deep technical knowledge of the game made her an instant hit during the IPL and the ODI World Cup. Beyond traditional TV, Grace has built a massive digital empire:
- The Digital Powerhouse: With around 724K followers on Instagram, she is a major influencer who blends high-fashion aesthetics with behind-the-scenes cricket insights.
- YouTube and “Game On”: Her popular YouTube channel, particularly her podcast series ‘Game On with Grace,’ has become a go-to platform for unfiltered conversations with global stars like Jason Holder and rising talents from the USA and Canada.
- Fan Connection: Grace is renowned for her ‘old school’ preparation, often seen with handwritten notes, and her ability to build genuine rapport with players, making her one of the most relatable and respected young voices in the T20 World Cup 2026 media contingent.
