Stuart Broad has addressed the viral footage showing his emotional reaction in the commentary box during England's collapse in the first Ashes Test in Perth. The former England bowler was visibly deflated as Australia secured an eight-wicket win inside two days to take a 1-0 series lead.
Broad's reaction came after Joe Root chopped a Mitchell Starc delivery onto his stumps, triggering a collapse that saw England lose 4/23. Ex-Australian opener Matthew Hayden quipped on commentary, 'Stuart Broad, stay in the commentary box, you are taking wickets galore!' The moment has been widely shared on social media.
Speaking on Channel 7's Test review show, Broad said, 'The Aussies are revelling in it because they hate me so much. They're really feeling the pain that I was feeling when Rooty chopped it on.' He described the experience as 'torture' and admitted he closed his eyes and prayed it wasn't happening.
Broad acknowledged England's missed opportunity, noting that Australia were missing Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood due to injury. 'This one was England's best opportunity in Australia for a long, long time,' he said. The defeat extended England's winless streak in Tests Down Under to 16 matches.
The second Ashes Test begins in Brisbane on December 4, with England urged to play a two-day pink ball game to prepare.
