Stuart Broad Says Australia Enter Ashes with Weakest Team in Over a Decade

England last won the Ashes in 2015 and have not secured a victory on Australian soil since 2011.

LONDON: Australia heads into the upcoming Ashes series with arguably their weakest squad in over ten years, putting immense pressure on the home side as the five-match contest begins next month, according to former England fast bowler Stuart Broad.

England last won the Ashes in 2015 and have not secured a victory on Australian soil since 2011. Meanwhile, Australia have dominated their home series, winning their last three Ashes contests 5-0, 4-0, and 4-0 respectively.

Despite being favorites, Australia face a major setback with captain Pat Cummins likely to miss the first Test, casting doubt over the team’s stability.

“It’s very, very difficult to win in Australia as an England side, or any side – it just is. Australia have to be massive favorites,” Broad said on his podcast, For The Love Of Cricket.

“But the real question is, which team is under the most pressure? Australia are, because they are expected to win. They’re brilliant at home, but there are question marks over their team and the captain’s fitness.”

Broad highlighted that this Australian team might be the weakest since 2010, when England last won Down Under, while the current English squad is arguably their best in over a decade.

Read more: Australia’s Cummins uncertain for Ashes opener

“It’s actually not an opinion; it’s fact. It’s probably the worst Australian team since 2010, and the best English team since 2010. That sets the stage for what should be a brilliant Ashes series.”

Broad, who retired after the 2023 Ashes series in England that ended in a 2-2 draw, also pointed to uncertainty in Australia’s lineup as a potential advantage for England.

“In previous years, Australia had a very settled side. You knew who would open, the batting order was fixed, the bowlers were clear – now they don’t have that. It’s a similar situation to 2010-2011 when England went and won there,” he said.

“The fact is Australia generally have to be bad to lose at home, and England have to be very good to win. England have a great chance of being very good, and Australia have a decent chance of being bad.”

With the Ashes set to begin soon, cricket fans can expect a thrilling contest fueled by high stakes and intriguing team dynamics.

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