Ashes 2023: Veteran English fast bowler Stuart Broad has said that Australia’s 4-0 series triumph over England in 2021–22 does not rank as a “real Ashes victory.” The 36-year-old said there was no real competition in the series because of COVID-19 rules.
The 2021–22 Ashes were dominated by Australia, with England just averting a 5-0 whitewash thanks to a draw in the Sydney Test by Joe Root and company. In June of this year, the two sides will meet in Birmingham for the first of five Tests that will revive the Ashes rivalry between England and Australia.
Ashes 2023: Broad played some mental games with the Daily Mail when the Ashes are still a few weeks away
The English side had its share of gripes as well throughout the course of the series. Some players threatened to leave the tour if their families were not allowed permission to enter Australia, which caused controversy even before the games started.
In addition, former England coach Chris Silverwood was found to have been infected with COVID-19 on Boxing Day.
There will most likely be an emphasis on England’s “BazBall” playing style during the Ashes. As a result, Broad cautioned Australia’s batters that they should avoid doing something similar.
Broad has taken 131 wickets at an average of 29.05 in 35 Ashes Tests, including eight five-wicket hauls.
Broad said: “Nothing was harsher than the last Ashes series. But in my mind I don’t class that as a real Ashes. The definition of Ashes cricket is elite sport with lots of passion and players at the top of their game. Nothing about that series was high-level performance because of the Covid restrictions. The training facilities, the travel, not being able to socialise. I’ve written it off as a void series.”
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