countdown to ashes 2025 A heated exchange has already begun between cricket’s oldest rivals. England And Australia They are set to renew their historic rivalry when the first Test begins in Perth on November 21 david warner Retired England fast bowler boldly predicts a 4-0 home win stuart broad has sparked a new debate by hitting back at Warner by terming the current Australian lineup as the ‘worst’ since 2010.
Before the Ashes series, Stuart Broad called Australia the ‘weakest team’
Preparations for the 2025 Ashes heated up with Warner saying England only ‘Playing for moral victory’ During their tour below. In response, Broad made headlines on BBC for the love of cricket This Australian side was described by a podcast as the weakest in more than a decade. The 39-year-old, who ended his career at the 2023 Ashes, claimed that statistical and situational factors rather than personal bias supported his statement.
,It wouldn’t be strange to think that this is probably the weakest Australian team since 2010 when England last won there.Pat Cummins’ fitness issues and inconsistency in Australia’s batting lineup have left them vulnerable, Broad said. Broad said Australia remains favorites at home, but the pressure will increase on the hosts, especially with doubts over their captain’s availability for the Perth Test.
Australia, who have not lost a home Ashes since the 2010–11 season, are facing scrutiny over their bowling attack and middle-order stability. Cummins’ long recovery from thigh strain and aging pillars steven smith And Usman Khawaja Add more uncertainty. Despite his sharp comments, Broad admitted that winning the Ashes in Australia is one of the toughest challenges in world cricket.
Also read: Australia or England? David Warner predicts the scoreline of Ashes 2025-26
England’s new hope and increasing pressure from Australia
Broad’s comments come as England search for confidence again ben stokes And Brendon McCullumHis aggressive “baseball” approach has reshaped Test cricket, bringing new optimism about winning away. like with the batsmen jack crawley, harry brookAnd Joe Root In form, led by a balanced pace attack ollie robinson And mark woodEngland appear more prepared than ever for Australian conditions.
However, Broad’s statement also exacerbates the psychological warfare that usually precedes any Ashes series. By exposing Australia’s weaknesses, the former England leader may have put some pressure on the hosts strategically. Historically, Australia have dominated the Ashes on home soil, but Broad’s claim that they would “have to play badly to lose” matches up with both logic and experience. This sets an interesting stage for the series, where expectations could turn into a burden for existing holders.
Australia retained the Ashes after their 4-0 win in 2017-18 and drew the 2023 series 2-2 in England. The upcoming 2025 competition will not only test their resilience but also determine whether England’s resurgence can finally end a 14-year drought on Australian soil. With verbal attacks already the order of the day, cricket fans can expect a fiery opening clash in Perth as both camps prepare for another chapter in the game’s oldest rivalry.
Also read: Joe Root reflects on his Test century drought in Australia ahead of Ashes 2025-26
