Cricket commentator Grace Hayden has come to her own defence after being branded a ‘nepo baby’.

The stylish sports presenter, who is the daughter of cricket legend Matthew Hayden, has refuted claims that her success is solely due to her renowned father, explaining that it has been challenging to carve out her own space 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.

‘I appreciate the challenge of being born into that environment, for which I am very grateful and fortunate. However, my genuine passion and love for the game drive me, and I can’t imagine doing anything else now.’

But while Grace hasn’t relied on on her father’s name, she admits that he’s her biggest supporter.

For the latest in celebrity news, from top-tier scandals and red carpet blunders to exclusive photos and viral stories, subscribe to the DailyMail’s new entertainment newsletter.

Cricket commentator Grace Hayden has come to her own defence after being branded a ‘nepo baby’

The glamorous sports presenter (right), who is the daughter of cricket icon Matthew Hayden (left), hit back at claims she had achieved success thanks to her famous dad

‘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.

‘More often than not, you have to work harder to prove yourself that you actually deserve to be there,’ the 23-year-old said

‘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.’