‘Fit And Firing’ Stuart Broad Says Ashes 2021-22 To Be Unpredictable As Australia Hasn’t Played Many Tests

Stuart Broad, ace England pacer and their second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket, termed himself “fit and firing” for the upcoming Ashes 2021-22, which will be played in Australia from December 8 when the first Test starts in Brisbane’s Gabba.

Stuart Broad had last featured for England in their recent Test series against India, where he picked a calf injury and had to miss the remainder of the matches as India gained a lead of 2-1 in four Tests, with the fifth Test in Manchester being called up after COVID cases in the Indian camp.

Broad was named in the 17-member England squad by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and has regained full fitness. However, the tall fast bowler also mentioned that this upcoming Ashes series could be unpredictable given Australia’s lack of Test match exposure in recent times.

“Yeah, all fit and firing. I’ve been back bowling for two weeks now. Building my workloads up, building my fitness up, ready for what’s a hugely exciting winter for the red-ball team.

“It’s going to be quite an unpredictable series I think. Australia just hasn’t played any cricket. I think they’ve played four Tests in the last year. Players are going to be going in without a lot of match time and I think that will be exciting to watch,” Broad told Sky Sports on Friday when asked about his fitness.

Over 15,000 England Supporters On Waiting List- Reports

If reports from Daily Mail are to be believed, then over 15,000 England team supporters, which include England’s overseas touring group- The Barmy Army, have registered to fly down to Australia to support their team and are currently on the waitlist for travel packages this winter. Although far fewer are expected to head Down Under due to the uncertainty surrounding travel restrictions.

This came after the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) gave the green signal to the national team to tour Australia for the Ashes 2021-22 after fears of many visiting players pulling out of the tour due to travelling issues for themselves and their families owing to the strict COVID guidelines and quarantine rules for the players. In addition, they were afraid of not being with their loved ones for Christmas and New Year as the Australian government was not willing to give ECB any leeway in terms of rules.

However, it was later revealed that the England contingent will be quarantined in a beach resort in Australia’s Gold Coast and will be allowed to mingle and train. They are also allowed to travel with their families, which led to the likes of Joe Root, Jos Buttler, and others signing up for the Ashes down under.

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