LONDON: Former England bowler Stuart Broad has urged the team to establish early dominance in this year’s Ashes series in Australia, warning that a slow start could lead to yet another disappointing campaign Down Under. England have not lifted the Ashes since 2015 and have failed to win a series in Australia since 2011, with the hosts sweeping the last three home contests 5-0, 4-0 and 4-0.
This time, the series will open in Perth rather than the traditional Gabba in Brisbane, where England last triumphed in 1986. Broad, speaking on the ‘Odds Law’ podcast, said the change of venue presents a small but meaningful opportunity.
“England have to win the first test to stand a chance of winning the Ashes,” he said. “Our record’s shocking at the Gabba. That’s why it’s a small advantage that the first test isn’t there this time… I think it will all be on the first two test matches, if I’m honest.
“If England don’t get anything out of the first two, then that’s a major problem because in Australia, the energy, the flow of the whole country will build up and then you’re fighting a bit of a losing battle.”
England will enter the series with one of their fastest bowling attacks in years, featuring Mark Wood, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Josh Tongue and Brydon Carse, with captain Ben Stokes also expected to contribute with the ball.
