Stuart Broad has waded into the Ashes war of words, claiming this Australian side is the weakest since 2010-11, when England won the urn Down Under 3-1. The retired England bowler made the comments on his podcast with Jos Buttler, arguing that England have a great chance of being very good while Australia have a decent chance of being bad.
Broad's remarks came after David Warner predicted a 4-0 series win for Australia, with rain saving England from a whitewash. Warner also revived the 'moral victory' jibe, suggesting England would be content with losing narrowly. The comment was met with indifference even in Australia, where media are tiring of the trope.
Broad countered that Australia's current team are not as bad as the 2010-11 outfit, which relied on spinners Xavier Doherty and Michael Beer, and seamers Peter Siddle and Ben Hilfenhaus. That side also had a struggling Ricky Ponting and an unpopular Michael Clarke. By contrast, Australia today can call on Scott Boland (Test bowling average 16) and Steve Smith as captain if Pat Cummins is injured.
However, Australia's top order is vulnerable. Usman Khawaja, 38, is showing signs of decline, and Tasmania's Jake Weatherald, 31, is a potential bolter. Sam Konstas, once hailed for his reverse scoops off Jasprit Bumrah, has averaged just eight against West Indies and is out of contention. At No 3, Marnus Labuschagne has revived his form with four centuries in five innings for Queensland.
Broad's thesis is not outlandish, but it overlooks Australia's depth. The 2010-11 side was a shambles; this one has issues but is a better team than the 2013 mob who lost 3-0 in England. The Ashes phoney war is as intense as ever, with social media amplifying every dig. But as Broad and Warner show, the rivalry remains box office.
