Overview
- Stuart Broad said on the BBC’s For the Love of Cricket podcast that Australia are “probably the worst” side they have fielded since 2010 and that this is England’s strongest touring group since then.
- Broad’s assessment followed David Warner predicting a 4-0 home win for Australia and taunting England over a so‑called pursuit of a “moral victory.”
- Australia captain Pat Cummins stated he is “probably less likely than likely” to be fit for the first Test in Perth on November 21 as he recovers from a back issue.
- England fast-bowling consultant Tim Southee publicly disagreed with Broad’s view, saying he does not think there is ever a bad Australia team and anticipating a high-quality series.
- Selection and workload questions persist, with Alastair Cook urging England to keep Ollie Pope at No 3 and both sides weighing depth for a five-Tests-in-seven-weeks schedule that could draw on options such as Scott Boland.