"When you go to Australia..." - Stuart Broad issues 'Gabba' warning to Shoaib Bashir for Ashes 2025-26

Former England pacer Stuart Broad has warned young off-spinner Shoaib Bashir about the tough challenges he might face against Australia in next year's Ashes series. Stuart Broad said that Shoaib Bashir could face intense pressure from the Australians, especially at venues like The Gabba in Brisbane.

Shoaib Bashir made his Test debut for England in India earlier this year. The young spin bowler showcased his potential in challenging conditions. Bashir took 17 wickets in three matches, including two five-wicket hauls. He was preferred over veteran Jack Leach for the recent home series against the West Indies.

The 20-year-old didn’t get a chance to bowl in the first Test against the West Indies at Lord’s in London. Bashir took a five-wicket haul in the fourth innings of the second Test match at the Trent Bridge. He finished the series with 9 wickets in four innings at an average of 27.22, with best bowling figures of 5/41.

Don't Think England Are Making Any Excuses - Stuart Broad

Speaking to Sky Sports, Stuart Broad said that Shoaib Bashir might not face significant challenges in the home series. Broad added that Bashir's performance in the away series against Pakistan will be interesting, as his selection appears to be partly aimed at preparing for the Ashes.

"I think he's been picked with half an eye on the Ashes and I don't think England are making any excuses that they're looking a bit more forward than they have done in the past," Broad said.

"Bashir is probably not going to be tested huge amounts this summer in these conditions but it will be really interesting to see him play against Pakistan in Pakistan where they might play him a bit more aggressively on different surfaces," he added.

England have struggled in their recent tours to Australia. The England red ball team faced 5-0, 4-0, and 4-0 losses in their past three tours. They last won the Test series in Australia in 2010-11 under the leadership of Andrew Strauss. The England team also hasn't won the Ashes on home soil since 2015.

They Try To Hit You Out Of The Attack - Stuart Broad

The 167-Test veteran stated that Australian players will aggressively target Bashir in Australia during the upcoming Ashes series. Broad noted that gaining experience in various conditions will help Bashir prepare for such high-pressure situations.

"When you go to Australia and get to the Gabba, the Aussies are coming for you, they're going to attack you and try to hit you out of the attack. That's where playing now, building experience and playing in Test-match cricket and different conditions around the world sets you up for those huge, high-pressure moments," Broad further stated.

The Ben Stokes-led team will take on Sri Lanka in the three-match Test series at home. The first match will be played at the Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester, starting on August 21. They will play the remaining two matches at Lord's and The Oval. They will tour Pakistan for a three-match series in October.

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