The Ashes: England coach Tim Southee disagrees with Stuart Broad’s comment that this is Australia’s ‘worst’ team since 2010 | Cricket News

England coach Tim Southee disagrees with former fast bowler Stuart Broad’s suggestion that this is Australia’s worst team since 2010/11.

Former Paceman Broad spiced up the Ashes war of words by hitting back at former Australia opener David Warner after he launched an early sled at the tourists on Monday.

Broad said the Baggy Greens were the “worst” team he had seen in over a decade and there were “question marks” hanging over the hosts given the circumstances surrounding captain Pat Cummins’ fitness.

But Southee has no doubt about what he expects from the five-match series, which begins in Perth next month.

“I don’t think there’s ever a bad Australian cricket team,” he said. “We are firmly focused on what we are trying to do. I think the quality of the (England) team going to Australia is brilliant.

“This series should be absolutely brilliant. Not only are the English and Australians looking forward to it, but I think the whole cricketing world is looking forward to it.”

Southee is still finalizing his role behind the scenes for England at the Ashes, but the former New Zealand seamer is likely to only be available for next month’s first Test.

He took the job as England’s fast bowling consultant this summer after ending an illustrious international career, which brought 391 wickets in 107 Tests, at the end of 2024.

Southee’s ad hoc employment with England has for now been extended to their white-ball tour of his native New Zealand, which begins on Saturday with the first of three T20s in Christchurch.

England have named their XI two days out, with Harry Brook returning as captain after being rested for last month’s T20 series win in Ireland and Jordan Cox carded seventh in the order.

Brydon Carse also returns alongside fellow seamers Sam Curran and Luke Wood, while front-row spinners Adil Rashid and Liam Dawson could be complemented by the part-time deals of Jacob Bethell.

This weekend marks Southee’s first time facing his country, but he has enjoyed working alongside Brendon McCullum, his former Black Caps captain and now England head coach, again.

“It will be strange but I’m looking forward to it,” replied Southee as he assessed his role in the away dressing room.

“I enjoyed playing under Brendon as a player, and sharing a dressing room with him again in a different capacity was really enjoyable. It was too good not to.”

Australia have won every Ashes at home since 2010/11.

England XI will face New Zealand: Phil Salt, Jos Buttler, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook (c), Tom Banton, Sam Curran, Jordan Cox, Brydon Carse, Liam Dawson, Adil Rashid, Luke Wood

Ashes series in Australia 2025-26

Every hour in the UK and Ireland

• First try: Friday November 21 – Tuesday November 25 (2h30) – Optus Stadium, Perth
• Second test (day/night): Thursday December 4 – Monday December 8 (4:30 a.m.) – The Gabba, Brisbane
• Third try: Wednesday December 17 – Sunday December 21 (00:00) – Adelaide Oval
• Fourth try: Thursday December 25 – Monday December 29 (11:30 p.m.) – Melbourne Cricket Ground
• Fifth test: Sunday January 4 – Thursday January 8 (11:30 p.m.) – Sydney Cricket Ground