Former cricketer Stuart Broad is optimistic about England’s chances in the upcoming Ashes 2025-26 series in Australia later this year. The former England pacer admitted that Australia are a dominant side at home but pointed out that their bowlers are past their peak and their batting lineup lacks experience.
England has had mixed results over the past three years. Ben Stokes led the team to a historic 3-0 series whitewash in Pakistan. However, doubts resurfaced after England endured a 4-1 series defeat to India in 2023. The England cricket team also failed to reclaim the Ashes trophy on home soil in 2023.
We Could Go to Australia with a Chance – Stuart Broad
Stuart Broad said that England have a strong chance to reclaim the Ashes trophy in Australia after a decade. He pointed out that Australia’s fast-bowling attack, comprising of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon, is aging.
“Genuinely, I feel like we could go to Australia with a chance. Yes, Australia are the best Test team in the world, unbelievable in their own conditions, but they’re ageing in their bowling group of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazelwood and Nathan Lyon, and there is inexperience in their batting, with Sam Konstas potentially at the top,” Broad shared in an interview with The Daily Mail.
They Rely Heavily on Steve Smith and Travis Head – Stuart Broad
The former England pacer highlighted that Australia rely heavily on Steve Smith and Travis Head in the batting lineup. Broad acknowledged that Australia are the favorites but insisted that England have their best chance after a decade.
“They rely heavily on Steve Smith and Travis Head for runs. Marnus Labuschagne is struggling, so they’re a team that’s maybe just going over the hill, and it’s a great opportunity for England if the stars align. Australia are favourites, but England have as big a chance as we’ve had since 2010,” Broad added.
England will travel to Australia for the five-match Ashes Test series, starting on November 21. The team has lost three consecutive Ashes series in Australia and has failed to win a single Test there since 2011. The Ben Stokes-led team faces a daunting challenge to reverse their fortunes in the upcoming series.
We Know It Will Be Physically Challenging – Stuart Broad
Stuart Broad also said that the upcoming home Test series against India will serve as ideal preparation for the Ashes tour in Australia. He acknowledged that the five-match series would be physically demanding.
“Personally, I would like the idea of playing a tough five-match series against India before the Ashes, but we know it will be physically challenging,” Broad shared.
The England Test team missed out on qualifying for the ICC World Test Championship final for the third consecutive time under coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes. The upcoming Ashes series will be the first tour of Australia for McCullum’s England head coach since taking charge in 2022.
Also read: ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2025: Full schedule and match timings announced