Australia's Team Labelled as Weakest Since 2010 according to Ex- England Star Broad
Ex- England paceman Stuart Broad has claimed Australia have their "worst" team after 2010 ahead of this winter's Test series.
The bowler's comments came in response to forecasts from ex-Australia batsman David Warner that England might be defeated the series down under 4-0.
The English team's last victory on Australian soil occurred in 2010-2011, where Broad featured in a squad which won by three matches to one to retain the Ashes trophy.
Nevertheless, they have suffered heavy defeats of 5-0, 4-0 and 4-0 during three trips down under after that.
"It's extremely challenging to win on Australian territory as an England side, or any visiting team - that's the reality," Broad commented.
"The hosts have to be massive frontrunners. The key issue was actually 'Which team's facing greater expectations?' Indeed, Australia face the most pressure since they're expected to triumph. They're exceptional on home soil."
"But they've got uncertainties over their team and doubts about [the fitness of] captain [Pat Cummins]."
Retirement and Present Assessment
Broad retired from professional cricket following the Ashes series on English soil in 2023, where the Australians retained the trophy after a 2-2 draw.
He added: "You wouldn't be unreasonable to believe - this is not just a view, it's factual - this is likely the worst Australian team since 2010 when England prevailed, and it's the strongest English team after 2010."
"So those things match up to the fact it's going to be a brilliant Ashes series."
Squad Issues and Injury Problems
The first Test begins at the Perth stadium this November, while the host team's build-up have been hit by the possible unavailability of captain Cummins, who has been absent for months because of a back injury affecting his spine.
The pace bowler continues his rehabilitation from the problem stating he's "less likely than likely" to feature in the opener.
If he misses out would leave the team relying on a bowling attack featuring Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Scott Boland, all of whom are in their mid-30s, while the backup bowlers inexperienced and unproven in international cricket.
Schedule Demands and Past Parallel
The packed Ashes schedule - five Tests over seven weeks - also means each team will be tested by injuries.
"The Australian team were very stable for a long period that it was clear who would open the innings, who was going to bat in which position, what bowlers there were - but now they lack that," said the former player.
"It's quite a similar situation to 2010-2011 where the English went and won there."
"The reality is Australia typically have to be bad to be defeated in Australia and England have to be exceptional."
"England are well positioned of being very good and the Australians have a decent chance of being underperforming."
"In my view anyone could argue that this is Australia's least strong squad since 2010... it's just a fact."