🔗 Share this article

The bowler's comments came in response to forecasts by ex-Australia batter David Warner that England might be defeated the contest down under 4-0.

England's last triumph in Australia was in 2010-2011, where Broad was part of a squad which triumphed 3-1 keeping the urn.

However, they have suffered comprehensive losses of whitewashes and clean sweeps in their three trips to Australia since.

"It's very, very difficult to win in Australia as an England side, or any visiting team - that's the reality," the former cricketer commented.

"The hosts have to be strong frontrunners. The question really was 'Which team's facing greater expectations?' Indeed, Australia face significant expectations since they're expected to win. They're brilliant on home soil."

"However they've got uncertainties regarding their team plus question marks over [the fitness of] captain [Pat Cummins]."

Career End and Current Assessment

Broad ended his career from playing following the Ashes series in England in 2023, when the Australians kept the urn after a 2-2 draw.

He added: "You wouldn't be outlandish in thinking - this is not just a view, it's a fact - it's probably the weakest Australian team since 2010 where England last won, and it's the best English team since 2010."

"Therefore those things match up with the reality it's going to be a brilliant Test contest."

Squad Issues and Fitness Problems

The first Test starts at the Perth stadium on 21 November, and the host team's preparations have been hit due to the potential absence of skipper Pat Cummins, who has not played for months due to a back injury in his back.

The fast bowler is still recovering from the injury stating he is "less likely than likely" to play in the first Test.

If he misses out would leave Australia relying on a pace attack featuring Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Boland, who are all aged in their thirties, while their other seamers lacking experience or untried in international cricket.

Fixture Demands and Past Comparison

The demanding Ashes schedule - five Tests over seven weeks - ensures both sides will be tested by injuries.

"The Australian team were very stable for a long period so that it was clear who was going to open the batting, who was going to bat in which position, what bowlers they had - but now they lack that," said the former player.

"It's very much a similar situation to 2010-2011 when England triumphed there."

"The fact of the matter Australia typically need to underperform to be defeated in Australia while the visitors have to be very good."

"England are well positioned of being very good and Australia could potentially end up underperforming."

"I don't think any observer could argue that this is Australia's least strong squad since 2010... that's simply the truth."