Experienced England bowler Stuart Broad feels the Three Lions are looking in good shape as they build towards the Ashes series at the end of the year.
Skipper Joe Root and his side are preparing for the ultimate challenge in Test cricket as they head Down Under for the next instalment of the Ashes saga, and Broad is optimistic of what lies ahead.
Winning down in Australia has proved to be a tough proposition for England, with the Three Lions only winning a series on Aussie soil once in the last 34 years. The last series in the UK back in 2019 saw the Baggy Greens retain the Ashes with a drawn series. England’s last Ashes series Down Under saw the tourists head home with their tails between their legs after a 4-0 hammering.
While the history books might not make happy reading for England, who are 11/4 with bet365 in the cricket betting to win the next Ashes series, seamer Broad is optimistic about the current squad and what they might be able to achieve at the end of the year. The Three Lions will be looking to build up some positive form on their current tour of Sri Lanka, while many of the team will also be involved in the T20 World Cup later this year.
Broad is fully aware of the test ahead when it comes to the next Ashes series but feels that if England’s batting order can produce big first-innings totals, then the bowling attack has the ability to cause the hosts significant problems. The highly-talented 34-year-old paceman has also suggested that rotating the bowling attack is likely to be adopted by head coach Chris Silverwood over the five Tests next winter.
Balance is the key according to Broad in terms of the spin and seam bowling attack, and the Nottingham-born bowler feels the Three Lions have “got all of our bases covered”.
Which Australia will show up?
Based on the current series between Australia and India, it’s hard to know which Aussie side Broad and England could face in the Ashes. The Baggy Greens have been hit and miss against India, having stormed to an eight-wicket win in the opening Test, they fell to an eight-wicket defeat in the second.
There will be pressure on Australia skipper Tim Paine to get some consistency out of his side before the arrival of England, especially with the other experienced players in his squad waiting in the wings for the captaincy. Former skipper Steve Smith and veteran David Warner would be seen as two potential replacements for Paine should head coach Justin Langer see fit to make a change with the armband.
There is plenty of cricket to be played between now and the first Ashes Test in November, but Broad and company appear to be positive the Three Lions might be able to do something special against their old rivals in their own backyard.