Stuart Broad Reacts to “Worst Side” Remark as Australia Take Unassailable Ashes Lead

Former England fast bowler Stuart Broad has stood firm on his pre-series assessment that the current Australian team is the weakest to contest an Ashes series in Australia since England's 3-1 victory in 2010-11, even as the hosts clinched retention of the urn with an 82-run win in the third Test at Adelaide Oval. Broad, speaking on his podcast following Australia's unassailable 3-0 lead, insisted his comments were factual, rooted in Australia's transitional phase, selection uncertainties, and key absences, including captain Pat Cummins for the opening two tests and Josh Hazlewood for the entire series. He emphasised that England had opportunities but failed to capitalise, performing well below their potential against a relentless Australian side.

Australia's victory on December 21, 2025, sealed the Ashes in just 11 days of play—the joint second-quickest decision in series history—despite injuries and disruptions. Standout performances included Alex Carey, named Player of the Match for his 106, 72, and six catches, and Travis Head's aggressive centuries across the series. The Australian camp referenced Broad's remarks in celebrations, with Marnus Labuschagne highlighting them in a post-match interview and Head posting a photo with Cummins captioned "Is it 2010 yet?" accompanied by laughing emojis, alluding to England's last series win Down Under.

Broad clarified he harboured no regrets, noting that while Australia had not played poorly, England had underperformed significantly. He compared the current team favourably to stronger past iterations, such as the 2013-14 side that whitewashed England 5-0, but maintained that individually, no Australian outfit since 2010-11 had been superior. England's capitulation marks their fourth consecutive Ashes loss in Australia, extending a dismal run with only two draws in 17 tests since 2011.

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With the series retained, Australia now eyes a potential whitewash in the remaining Tests at Melbourne starting December 26 and Sydney from January 4, 2026. For England, the focus shifts to salvaging pride and avoiding a repeat of past humiliations, amid ongoing scrutiny of their aggressive "Bazball" approach on Australian soil.

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