England veteran Stuart Broad has defiantly stood by his explosive pre-series claim that this Australian Ashes squad was the weakest in 15 years, even as the triumphant hosts used his words as fuel for their Adelaide victory celebrations.
Aussies revel in Broad's pre-series jibe
Broad's now-infamous comment, made before the series began, labelled this Australian team as the most vulnerable since England last won the urn Down Under in 2010-11. He insisted it was "a fact," not an opinion, citing a team in transition.
The remark did not go unnoticed in the Australian camp. Following their series-clinching win in the third Test at Adelaide Oval, batsman Marnus Labuschagne referenced it in a post-match interview. The taunting continued on social media, with player of the match Travis Head posting a photo with captain Pat Cummins captioned, "Is it 2010 yet?" accompanied by laughing emojis.
Broad's defiant podcast defence
Speaking after Australia's 82-run victory secured an unassailable 3-0 lead, Broad refused to express any regret. On his 'For The Love of Cricket' podcast, he argued his assessment was accurate, but England had performed far below their potential.
"Do I regret saying that? No," Broad stated. "I did say Australia would have to play very badly and England would have to play very well. Australia haven't played very badly and England haven't played very well."
He pointed to injuries within the Australian camp – including Pat Cummins missing the first two Tests, Josh Hazlewood missing the series, and Usman Khawaja's back spasms – as evidence of their supposed vulnerability. "A lot of things have gone England's way," he conceded, "But England haven't been good enough ultimately. Australia have been relentless."
When pressed on how this Australian side compares to past teams, Broad admitted the 2013-14 lineup was probably stronger man-for-man. "I don't think individually they are better than any other team since 2010-11, but they've been relentless in the pressure they've managed to put on England," he said.
Job not done for Australia despite injuries
England captain Ben Stokes offered a more succinct assessment when asked the same question, replying simply: "Better than us."
Australia's celebrations extended into Monday, featuring team songs, custom T-shirts, and ex-players in the changerooms. Despite the series win, the team insists the mission is incomplete. They are likely to be without spinner Nathan Lyon (hamstring) and may manage Pat Cummins (back) for the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.
"It is special (winning an Ashes)," fast bowler Mitchell Starc said. "With a lot being made outside the groups, whilst we don't pay too much attention to it, things get heard... There will be a lot of pleasure with being in the situation where we are. But we want to win the next two (Tests)."
