In the bustling media dining hall of Dubai International Stadium, Grace Hayden maintains intense focus while simultaneously engaging in an interview and tracking every delivery bowled in the ILT20 match between Dubai Capitals and Desert Vipers. The 23-year-old Australian cricket presenter, daughter of legendary Test opener Matthew Hayden, is carving her own distinctive path in the world of sports broadcasting.
During an exclusive conversation with Khaleej Times, Grace reflected on her unique childhood growing up in cricket’s iconic stadiums, which served as her playgrounds. She revealed how her perception of her father evolved from simply ‘Dad’ to understanding his superstar status in international cricket. “I knew Dad played cricket, but I didn’t comprehend the extent of his stardom,” she confessed. “He was always just Dad to me, even when he spent eleven months annually traveling the world.”
Grace credits her mother, Kallie Hayden, as the family’s foundational rock who maintained family cohesion during Matthew’s extensive absences. She describes her parents’ relationship as “the greatest partnership” that extended beyond cricket into their family dynamics.
The young broadcaster’s journey into sports presentation began with modeling, which helped develop her camera presence, followed by an audition with Channel Seven in Australia. She initially worked in horse racing before transitioning to cricket coverage with Star Sports in India during IPL tournaments and World Cups.
Grace acknowledges her father’s brutally honest feedback on her broadcasting performances. “He is brutal,” she admits. “But his harsh critiques ultimately improve my performance. They always work in my favor.”
Among her most memorable broadcasting experiences, Grace highlights the Indian Premier League as the pinnacle of T20 cricket, particularly describing the electrifying atmosphere at Chennai’s Chepauk Stadium when MS Dhoni comes to bat. She’s currently covering the ILT20 in the UAE, praising the tournament’s organization, the blend of established stars and emerging talents from associate nations, and the convenience of traveling between Emirates venues.
Addressing the perception of glamour in sports presenting, Grace emphasizes the substantial behind-the-scenes work required. “People consider it glamorous, but honestly, it isn’t,” she states. “Success demands extensive research, knowing player statistics, asking insightful questions, and constant preparation.”
As part of a growing cohort of female presenters with cricket family connections—including Mayanti Langer, Sanjana Ganesan, and Laura McGoldrick—Grace acknowledges the pressure that comes with her famous surname. “There’s always expectation because everyone watched your father excel,” she notes. “But I’ve learned to absorb that pressure competitively—if told I cannot achieve something, I’m determined to prove otherwise.”
Regarding media attention, particularly after her Dubai Desert Safari pictures garnered headlines in Australia and India, Grace maintains a balanced perspective. “Media attention can be flattering but also volatile,” she observes. “You can be elevated one moment and criticized the next. At 23, I consider it a privilege to travel globally, work in a sport I love, and share my experiences with an engaged community.”