Broad Identifies England's Under-the-Radar Ashes Weapon
England cricket legend Stuart Broad has pinpointed fast-bowler Gus Atkinson as a potential match-winner in the highly anticipated Ashes series against Australia this winter. The 27-year-old Surrey star, despite limited appearances in 2025 due to injury, is set to feature in the first Test at Perth this week.
Broad believes that while attention has focused on returning stars like Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, and Ben Stokes' bowling comeback, Atkinson represents England's secret weapon. "He hasn't been talked about enough because everyone's focusing on Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, and Ben Stokes returning to bowling," Broad revealed on the Fitzdares-presented Odds Law podcast.
Impressive Statistics Tell Compelling Story
Atkinson's credentials speak for themselves since bursting onto the international scene in summer 2024. In his 13 Test appearances to date, the pace bowler has claimed 63 wickets at an average of just 22.01, establishing himself as a genuine threat with the ball.
Perhaps even more remarkably for a bowler, Atkinson has also demonstrated his value with the bat, averaging 22.35 and even scoring a Test century. This all-round capability could prove particularly valuable in a series where bowlers are expected to dominate.
Broad elaborated on why he sees Atkinson as crucial to England's chances: "But I think Gus could be the one who becomes a mainstay of the attack." The former England star highlighted the bowler's technical attributes that make him well-suited to Australian conditions.
The Complete Bowling Package for Australian Conditions
According to Broad's analysis, Atkinson possesses exactly the right qualities to succeed Down Under. "He's tall, has good pace, moves the ball both ways, and can swing it away from the right-hander," Broad explained. "He can also bowl to left-handers from over and around the wicket."
The bowling great particularly emphasised Atkinson's potential role as the workhorse of England's attack. "He could do really nicely in Australia and be that consistent bowler that Ben Stokes can lean on to bowl a lot of overs," Broad noted, pointing to the demanding schedule that will see five Tests played over just seven weeks.
Atkinson's technical efficiency also drew praise from the experienced campaigner. "He's got a nice, short stride pattern, can go through the gears, and can play a great supporting role to the quicker bowlers who might rotate through the series," Broad added.
England's Broader Ashes Prospects
Broad expressed optimism about England's overall chances despite their poor record in Australia, where they haven't won a Test since 2011. The absence of Australian pace duo Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood through injury provides an early advantage for the visitors.
The change in venue for the first Test from the traditional Gabba to Perth could also work in England's favour. "England have to win the first Test to stand a chance of winning the Ashes," Broad asserted. "Our record's shocking at the Gabba. That's why it's a small advantage that the first Test isn't there this time."
Broad, who has controversially labelled this Australian team as the "worst Australia team" in 14 years, believes the series could be decided early. "I think it will all be on the first two Test matches, if I'm honest," he stated. "If England don't get anything out of the first two, then that's a major problem because in Australia, the energy, the flow of the whole country will build up and then you're fighting a bit of a losing battle."
With Atkinson's proven overseas performances in both Pakistan and New Zealand, and England's six-strong seam attack including all-rounder Stokes, the stage is set for what promises to be a compelling Ashes contest where unsung heroes like Atkinson could make the decisive difference.
