Former England bowler Stuart Broad has stressed the importance of a strong start for England in the upcoming Ashes series in Australia, warning that a failure to push through in time could lead to another disappointing campaign. England have not won the Ashes since 2015 and are struggling in Australia, with their last series win dating back to 2011. Australia have won the last three home Ashes series by scores of 5-0, 4-0 and 4-0. The series opener, traditionally played at The Gabba in Brisbane, where England have not won since 1986, will instead start in Perth this year. Broad spoke candidly about England’s prospects and the importance of the first matches in the series.
Broad emphasized the crucial nature of the first Test, stating: “England have to win the first Test to have any chance of winning the Ashes,” during an appearance on the ‘Odds Law’ podcast. He pointed to England’s poor record at The Gabba and the potential advantage of starting the series elsewhere. “Our record is shocking at the Gabba. So it’s a bit of an advantage that the first Test isn’t there this time… I think it will all be in the first two Test matches to be honest.”
Broad noted that England’s opening performance will set the tone, especially in the unique conditions they face in Australia. “If England don’t get anything from the first two then it’s a big problem because in Australia the energy, the flow of the whole country builds up and then you’re fighting a bit of a losing battle.”
The English team enters the series with one of their own fastest bowling lineups in recent years. The pace attack includes Mark Wood, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Josh Tongue and Brydon Cars, while captain Ben Stokes is also expected to feature.
While much attention was focused on Archer, Wood and Stokes, Broad directed praise at Gus Atkinsonwho joined the team in 2024 and took 63 wickets in 13 Test matches. “He hasn’t been talked about enough because everyone’s focus has been on Jofra Archer, Mark Wood and Ben Stokes coming back to the bowling,” Broad added.
Broad sees Atkinson as a potential key figure, suggesting his consistency and ability to mix long spells could be vital for England. “But I think Gus could be the one to anchor the attack. He would do really well in Australia and be that consistent bowler that Stokes can rely on to play a lot of overs.”
Describing Atkinson’s bowling style, Broad highlighted the attributes that would make him effective in Australian conditions. “He has a nice, short stride, can go through the gears and can play a great support role to the faster pitchers who could turn the streak around.”
The first Ashes Test is set to begin in Perth on Friday and will offer England an opportunity to break their recent losing streak in Australia if they seize the early initiative.
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Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
November 18, 2025
