England cricket great Stuart Broad has made a surprising admission, stating he feels the need to apologise to Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc for his conduct during a heated moment in the 2023 Ashes series.
The Infamous Lord's Incident
The moment in question occurred during the second Ashes Test at Lord's in 2023, following the controversial stumping of England's Jonny Bairstow by Australian wicketkeeper Alex Carey. The dismissal sparked immense tension between the sides, with many English supporters and pundits arguing it contravened the spirit of the game. England went on to lose the match convincingly.
Broad, who was at the crease with Ben Stokes after Bairstow's exit, has now conceded his personal behaviour in the aftermath was excessive. He specifically referenced needling Starc from the non-striker's end as the Australian paceman bowled into the wind.
"Most Embarrassing Thing"
Speaking on the Willow Talk podcast, Broad described his actions as ridiculous. "I've not seen Starcy (Mitchell Starc) since and I need to apologise for it," Broad stated. He explained that Starc was tasked with bowling short to Stokes, and whenever the England all-rounder hit the ball for six, Broad would loudly celebrate.
"I was doing this ridiculous, most embarrassing thing," Broad recalled. "Every time Stokesy middled the ball, (or) it was going for 6, I was going 'wooohooo 6 more, Stokesy, shot boy'...and I remember Starcy looking at me as if to say, just f*** off."
The podcast hosts, including Starc's wife Alyssa Healy alongside Brad Haddin and Adam Peacock, found the revelation highly amusing, with Healy particularly entertained.
Focus Shifts to the Gabba
This reflection comes as Starc prepares to return to action for the second Ashes Test at the Gabba in Brisbane, commencing on December 4. The Australian left-armer boasts a formidable record in Day/Night Tests, having taken 81 wickets at a stunning average of 17.08.
Starc has begun the current series in strong form, claiming 10 wickets across both innings in the opening Test. Australia will aim to secure a 2-0 series lead in Brisbane, where they won the last Test encounter between the two teams by eight wickets in Pat Cummins' first match as captain.
England's task is historically daunting; they have not won a Test match at the Gabba since 1986.
