Stuart Broad says Australia’s team for Ashes is ‘their worst since 2010’

Broad retired from playing following the 2023 Ashes series in England, which saw Australia retain the trophy with a 2-2 draw.

He added: “You wouldn’t think it so strange – actually it’s not an opinion, it’s a fact – this is probably the worst Australian team since 2010 when England last won and the best England team since 2010.

“So those things dovetail with the fact that it’s going to be a great Ashes series.”

The first Test begins in Perth on November 21 and Australia’s preparations have been hampered by the possible absence of captain Cummins, who has not played since July with a spinal strain on his back.

The bowler is still recovering from his injury and said he is “less likely” to play in the opener.

His absence will leave Australia facing a bowling attack of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Scott Boland, all in their mid-30s, while the other seamers will be inexperienced or untested at Test level.

The Ashes’ packed schedule of five tests in seven weeks also means both sides will be tested through injuries.

“Australia have been so consistent for a long time that you knew who was going to open the batting, who was going to bat where, which bowlers they had – but they didn’t have that,” Broad said.

“This is very similar to the situation in 2010-2011 when England went and won.

“Actually, for Australia to lose in Australia they have to be bad overall and England have to be very good.

“England have a good chance of being very good, Australia have a good chance of being very bad.

“I don’t think anyone can argue that this is their weakest team since 2010… that’s just a fact.”