Stuart Broad gives his verdict on Australia's current Test squad
What's the story
Former England cricketer Stuart Broad has said that Australia's current squad is the weakest they have had since 2010. He made the remark while reacting to former Australian batsman David Warner's prediction that England would lose the upcoming Ashes series in Australia by a margin of 4-0. Broad was part of the last England team to win an Ashes series in Australia back in 2010-11, when they retained the urn after winning it with a scoreline of 3-1. Here's more.
Tough task
Tough task to win in Australia: Broad
Broad, who retired after the 2023 Ashes series in England, acknowledged that winning in Australia is a tough task for any team. "It's very, very difficult to win in Australia as an England side or any side - it just is," he told the For the Love of Cricket podcast on BBC Sounds. The former bowler also added that while Australia are favorites due to their home advantage and strong performance history, there are doubts over their current team.
Words
Despite being favorites, Australia have got question marksÂ
"Australia have to be massive favourites. The question really was 'Which team's under the most pressure?' Well, Australia are under the most pressure because they're expected to win. They're brilliant at home," Broad quipped. He felt there are question marks over the team and fitness of skipper Pat Cummins. "But they've got question marks over their team and question marks over [the fitness of] captain [Pat Cummins]."
Team comparison
Best England team since 2010, says Broad
Broad said it's probably the worst Australian side since 2010 and on the contrary, the best England side since that period. "You wouldn't be outlandish in thinking - it's actually not an opinion, it's a fact - it's probably the worst Australian team since 2010 when England last won, and it's the best English team since 2010." He believes these factors contribute to what could be an exciting Ashes series. "So those things match up to the fact it's going to be a brilliant Ashes series."
Team dynamics
Cummins's absence could affect Australia
If Cummins doesn't play, Australia will have a relatively senior bowling attack comprising Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Scott Boland. The other seamers are either inexperienced or untested at the Test level. Broad pointed out that Australia have been consistent for a long time but their current team structure isn't as predictable as before. He drew parallels with the 2010-11 series when England last won in Australia.
Ashes
Australia vs England: Ashes schedule 2025-26
Australia vs England, 1st Test: Perth Stadium, Perth (November 21-25). Australia vs England, 2nd Test: The Gabba, Brisbane (December 4-8). Australia vs England, 3rd Test: Adelaide Oval, Adelaide (December 17-21). Australia vs England, 4th Test: Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne (December 26-30). Australia vs England, 5th Test: Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney (January 4-8).