Former England pacer Stuart Broad has slammed former Australian opener David Warner’s 4-0 prediction for the Ashes 2025-26. Broad was baffled by Warner's prediction. Like Broad often put Warner under pressure, bowling from around the wicket, he feels that there are a lot of question marks over Australia, including their captain Pat Cummins being unfit.
“Don’t know what I make of it. The prediction 4-0 (with one wash-out), it is quite difficult to win in Australia for any side. Australia have to be massive favourites. The question really was which team is under pressure, and I guess that is Australia because they have question marks over their team, their captain and his fitness,” Broad said on his podcast with Jos Buttler, ‘For The Love of Cricket’.
Broad went on to say that this is the worst Australian team he has since the 2010-11 Ashes.
“It is probably the worst Australian team since 2010, and it is the best England team since 2010, and those things match up. Australia have been so consistent with their plans and approach, and they don’t have that anymore. It is quite a similar situation to 2010/11, when Australia were confused,” he added.
England haven't won a single Test on Australian soil since 2011. Under Andrew Strauss' captaincy, England beat Michael Clarke-led Australia 3-1. On England's last three visits to Australia, the scoreline has been 5-0 (2013/14), 4-0 (2017/18) and 4-0 (2021/22) in hosts' favour.
What’s Broad’s Ashes prediction?
Broad did not give a straightforward answer when asked about prediction for the upcoming Ashes.
“England have a great chance of being very good, and Australia have a decent chance of being bad,” England’s second-highest wicket-taker in Tests said.
Australia’s Ashes squad still under wraps, confusion over Cummins’ availability
While England Cricket Board (ECB) announced their Ben Stokes-led squad for the Ashes early, Australia are yet to make the announcement with more than five weeks to go for opening Test. Their biggest headache is Cummins’ fitness. The skipper said is “less likely” to play the first Test as he is yet to start bowling in the nets. In his absence, Steve Smith will lead Australia and Scott Boland will get a chance to have a crack at England’s Bazball-clad batters.