Matthew Hayden left Matt Prior and Steven Finn in stitches with his hilarious exit from the TNT Sports panel after the first day of the second Ashes Test. Joe Root's staggering century has left England in a strong position as they finished the day 325-9.

The Australian, who won several Ashes series and finished his career with 8625 runs and a batting average of 50-plus, would have been particularly pleased with that outcome after he promised to walk around the MCG naked if Root did not secure a 100 away from home. Unsurprisingly, Hayden was in a particularly good mood, but he was eager to make a swift exit upon seeing Zak Crawley emerge.

He said: "I see Zak Crawley has just flown into the background here, that will be my relief. I can stop sweating bullets now." After Crawfley fielded questions from Hayden, Finn, Ives and Prior, the Aussie icon then made his swift exit.

Lead presenter Becky Ives said: "Matty, do you want to stay or do you want to go?" He instantly replied: "I want to go. I mean I love you guys, but it's time to go," much to the amusement of his fellow TNT Sport pundits.

Hayden then walked out of shot, leaving Ives, Finn and Prior in stitches. Lead presenter Ives then said: "Yeah it's time to go, thank you so much for joining us. Fantastic, oh he's brilliant. Anyone is welcome at this desk, they stay as long as they want." Prior to that, the 54-year-old said of Root: "I was on air at the time and of course I'm getting ripped at the back of the commentary box.

"But, that innings was so important for England, when you're under fire in this country, everyone is on your case. Amonsgt your own thoughts and presence, to be able to come back the way Joe Root has, it just sets you guys up in such great stead."

On whether or not Root needed an away Ashes 100 to be considered a true great, he added: "Most former cricketers will tell you that away runs are something that you tend to get judged on because in your own conditions, you should probably be able to handle that.

"Especially [for it to come] against Australia and the context of our two great nations that love to hate each other it's really important to get that monkey off your back in a country like this. Then you can go 'boy I am in the high echelons of international sport'."

Crawley and Jofra Archer also put in great shifts at the crease, but England were again tormented by Mitchell Starc, who ended the day 6-71. But he and Australia's bowling attack could not find a way to get Root out, with the 34-year-old closing out the day on 135 runs.