The Australian Squad Labelled as Weakest After 2010 according to Former England Star Broad
Ex- English bowler Stuart Broad stated Australia are fielding the "weakest" squad since 2010 as they head into the upcoming Ashes.
Broad's comments were triggered by forecasts from former Australian batsman David Warner suggesting the English would lose the contest down under by a clean sweep.
The English team's most recent triumph in Australia was in 2010-2011, where the bowler featured in a squad that won 3-1 keeping the urn.
Nevertheless, they have suffered heavy losses including 5-0, 4-0 and 4-0 during three trips down under since.
"It's very, very difficult to triumph on Australian territory as an England side, or any visiting team - it just is," Broad stated.
"The hosts are massive frontrunners. The question was actually 'Which team's under the most pressure?' Well, the Australian side face significant expectations since they're expected to triumph. They're brilliant on home soil."
"However they've got question marks over the squad plus doubts over [the fitness of] captain [Pat Cummins]."
Career End and Current Assessment
The bowler ended his career from professional cricket after the Test series on English soil last year, where the Australians retained the trophy with a tied series.
He added: "It wouldn't be outlandish in thinking - this is not just a view, it's a fact - this is likely the worst Australian team since 2010 when the English prevailed, and this represents the strongest English team since 2010."
"Therefore these factors match up to the fact this will be a brilliant Test contest."
Team Concerns and Injury Worries
The first Test starts at the Perth stadium this November, and Australia's preparations have been hit due to the possible unavailability of captain Cummins, and he has not played for months because of a back injury in his back.
The pace bowler continues his rehabilitation from the injury stating he's "less likely than likely" to play in the opener.
His absence would leave Australia with a pace attack featuring Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Scott Boland, who are all aged in their thirties, with their other seamers inexperienced and unproven in international cricket.
Fixture Pressure and Historical Parallel
The packed Test series calendar - five Tests over seven weeks - also means each team will be tested from fitness issues.
"Australia have been very stable for a long period that it was clear who would open the batting, who was going to bat in which position, which bowlers there were - and they don't have that," commented Broad.
"This is very much comparable to 2010-2011 where England triumphed in Australia."
"The fact of the matter Australia typically have to be bad to lose at home while the visitors have to be very good."
"England are well positioned of being outstanding and Australia have a decent chance end up bad."
"In my view any observer could argue that this is their weakest team since 2010... that's simply the truth."
