Australia's Team Branded as Worst After 2010 by Former English Star Stuart Broad
Former English bowler Stuart Broad has claimed Australia have their "worst" squad since 2010 as they head into this winter's Ashes.
The bowler's comments came in response to forecasts by ex-Australia batter David Warner suggesting the English might be defeated the contest down under by a clean sweep.
The English team's most recent victory on Australian soil was in 2010-2011, where the bowler featured in a squad which won 3-1 to retain the urn.
However, England experienced heavy defeats of 5-0, 4-0 and 4-0 in their visits to Australia since.
"It is very, very difficult to win in Australia for the English team, or any visiting team - that's the reality," Broad stated.
"Australia are strong frontrunners. The key issue was actually 'Which team's facing greater expectations?' Well, Australia face the most pressure because they are anticipated to win. They're brilliant on home soil."
"But there are question marks over the squad plus question marks about skipper Pat Cummins' physical condition."
Career End and Present Analysis
Broad ended his career from playing after the Test series on English soil last year, when the Australians retained the trophy after a tied series.
He added: "You wouldn't be outlandish to believe - it's actually not an opinion, it's a fact - this is likely the worst Australian squad after 2010 when England last won, and it's the strongest English squad after 2010."
"So these factors align with the reality this will be a brilliant Test contest."
Squad Issues and Fitness Problems
The first Test starts at the Perth stadium this November, while the host team's build-up have been hit due to the possible unavailability of captain Cummins, who has not played since July because of lumbar bone stress affecting his spine.
The fast bowler continues his rehabilitation from the injury stating he's "unlikely" to play in the first Test.
His absence would leave the team relying on a bowling attack featuring Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Scott Boland, all of whom are aged in their thirties, while their other seamers inexperienced and unproven in international cricket.
Schedule Pressure and Past Comparison
The demanding Test series calendar - five matches in seven weeks - ensures both sides will face challenges from fitness issues.
"The Australian team were very stable over many years that it was clear who would open the innings, who was going to bat in which position, what bowlers they had - and they don't have that," said Broad.
"This is very much comparable to the last winning tour when England went and won there."
"The reality is the hosts generally have to be bad to lose at home and England have to be very good."
"England are well positioned to be very good and the Australians have a decent chance of being bad."
"In my view anyone would dispute that it's Australia's least strong squad since 2010... that's simply the truth."
