England Test skipper Ben Stokes revealed that veteran pacer Stuart Broad was drafted into the playing XI because of his impeccable record against David Warner ahead of the first Test against Australia at the Edgbaston in Birmingham on Friday, June 16.
Broad dismissed the opener seven times in 10 innings during England's 2-2 draw against Australia the last time these two sides faced off. Speaking about this factor, Stokes was sure that Broad would be crucial against Warner. He likened Broad's record against Warner to that of India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin's performances against him.
"It's just one of those things – like Ashwin against me. 'Broady' has been an unbelievable performer over many years," Stokes said.
"What the Ashes brings, it's so hard to look past someone like that. It's so hard to look past Jimmy and 'Robbo' as well, he's been incredible over the last year in all conditions. I'm very happy with the team we've ended up picking," he said before the match starts.
Warner showed glimpses of his true form during the World Test Championship (WTC) final against India, scoring 43 runs in the first innings, but is expected to take a more aggressive approach against Broad this time around.
He also spoke about the chances of him bowling in the upcoming Ashes. He is England's all-time leading wicket-taker in Ashes cricket and has a superb record against Australia opener David Warner, whom he dismissed seven times in the same series four years ago.
"I definitely feel in a better place than I did in Wellington," said Stokes. "What I have done in the last three days - bowling three spells - has been a real confidence boost for me."
Meanwhile, Australia skipper Pat Cummins also backed a misfiring David Warner to perform well in The Ashes, despite having a subpar average in the low 20s in The Ashes in England. "It didn't go Davey's way last time, but we'll see a different Davey this time," Cummins added.
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