Former England fast bowler Stuart Broad has refused to backtrack on his controversial assessment of Australia, even after England lost the Ashes 2025–26 in just 11 days. Broad had labelled this Australian side the “worst since 2010” ahead of the series — a remark that has drawn widespread criticism following England’s heavy defeat.

Despite Australia racing to an unassailable 3–0 lead, Broad insists he has no regrets about his comments. England had arrived in Australia full of belief, hoping to end their long Ashes drought Down Under, with conditions and circumstances seemingly offering them a chance.

Stuart Broad stands firm despite backlash after Ashes whitewash

Australia were not at full strength during the series. Captain Pat Cummins missed the first two Tests, Josh Hazlewood was ruled out of the entire series with injury, and Steve Smith sat out the third Test in Adelaide. Yet England failed to capitalise, suffering comprehensive defeats in all three matches.

Since Australia sealed the series, Broad has been the target of online trolling and criticism. Australian batters Marnus Labuschagne and Travis Head even poked fun at his pre-series remarks following the Adelaide Test. However, Broad has doubled down on his stance.

“Do I regret saying that? No. I did say Australia would have to play very badly for England to win the Ashes, and England would have to play very well. Australia haven’t played very badly, and England haven’t played very well,” Broad said on the For the Love of Cricket podcast.

Broad clarified that he never claimed Australia were weak enough to be easily beaten. Instead, he argued that England would have needed to perform at their absolute best while Australia would have had to falter, neither of which happened.

“There are a lot of things that have gone England’s way in terms of injuries and illness suffered by Australian players, but England haven’t been good enough. Australia have been relentless in what they’ve done and have shown that age is just a number,” he added.

Despite the backlash, Broad maintained that, man for man, this Australian side does not match the quality of previous generations. He pointed to the dominant 2013–14 Ashes side led by Michael Clarke, featuring Mitchell Johnson at his destructive peak, as a stronger outfit.

“Do I think the 2013–14 Australian side was better man for man? Yes, probably. I don’t think individually they are better than any Australian team since 2010–11. But they’ve been relentless with the pressure they’ve put on England — as every Australian team has been,” Broad said.

He also stressed that England losing 3–0 by the third Test in Australia is not unprecedented and blamed England’s inability to execute under pressure for the latest collapse.

“England being 3–0 down by the third Test in Australia isn’t new. I don’t disagree with my comment. England have been operating at about 20 per cent of their ability,” Broad concluded.

Also Read: Pakistan U19 stars set for PM’s reception after U19 Asia Cup triumph over India