The Ashes rivalry between England and Australia is already heating up, with tensions running high ahead of the first Test. Recently David Warner had made a big prediction for Australia and now Stuart Broad has returned with an even more deadly ball.
Speaking at an event, Warner had claimed that Australia will beat England 4-0 if Pat Cummins is fit and will win 3-1 even if the captain misses out. The former destructive opening batsman suggested Australia will chase the Ashes urn while England will only keep fighting for a “moral victory”.
Verbal debate breaks out between Stuart Broad and David Warner over predictions for Ashes 2025-26
This prediction sparked a debate between Stuart Broad and Warner. The former England fast bowler has described the current Australian team as the weakest team since 2010. Notably, England last won an Ashes series in Australia in 2010.
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Broad also highlighted how injuries, retirements and poor form of key players have left holes in Australia’s once dominant lineup, putting added pressure on the hosts to perform well in the upcoming five-match Test series.
He also pointed out that Australia still has some quality players, but their collective experience and consistency is far below the previous team.
Stuart Broad hits back at David Warner, calls Australia the weakest team since 2010
Stuart Broad told Jos Buttler on his podcast, ‘For the Love of Cricket’: “You won’t think it’s strange – it’s not really an opinion, it’s a fact – this is probably the worst Australian team since 2010 when England last won, and it’s the best English team since 2010.”
He further added, “Australia have been quite consistent with their plans and approach, and now they don’t have that. The question really is which team is under pressure, and I think it’s Australia.”
In particular, Stuart Broad recalled the 2010–11 Ashes series, the last time England managed to win in Australia. It was a historic achievement, as the English team defeated Australia on their home soil with an impressive score of 3–1.
Also read: Australia camp announces last tour of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma
What did David Warner say?
Taking a dig at England, Warner told a Fox Cricket event: “The Australian way because we’re playing for the Ashes and they’re playing for a moral victory. That’s your headline. I’ll just stick to 4-nil. I think 4-nil. There’s going to be a washout somewhere; it’s usually Sydney.”
Warner added, “Australia should be massive favourites. The question really was, ‘Which team is under the most pressure?’ Well, Australia is under the most pressure because they are expected to win. They are wonderful at home. But there are question marks and question marks on his team [the fitness of] captain [Pat Cummins],
Notably, Australia’s plans for the Ashes 2025-26 have been dealt a huge blow with Pat Cummins facing a back strain problem.
Due to the fitness of the star pacer, there is doubt whether he will be available for the first Test in Perth or not. Due to injury, his participation in the remaining matches of the Ashes series may also be affected. The Ashes 2025-26 series is scheduled to begin on November 21 in Perth.