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The war of words before the Ashes continues to heat up, with ex-England paceman Stuart Broad stating that the English side will confront "probably the worst Aussie squad since 2010" on tour this season.

Warner's Confident Forecast Answered by Skepticism

The former England bowler's claim was in response to David Warner – an Ashes foe of Broad’s – predicting a clean sweep for the hosts. "Should the skipper [Pat Cummins] be absent, they could perhaps snatch a single victory," Warner said.

Australia have not lost a Ashes match on home soil after England's series win in the 2010-11 tour. The subsequent 5-0 whitewash three years later – following seven defeats in their last nine matches – came before 4-0 series victories in the 2017-18 and 2021-22 campaigns.

Team Doubt and Fitness Worries for Australia

However, the No 1-ranked Test side, who have lost only one of their past 13 bilateral series, approach the forthcoming contest with questions over the makeup of their top order and the fitness of Cummins, who is doubtful to play in the opening match at the Perth stadium because of a back issue.

"It’s very, very difficult to triumph on Australian soil as an England side, or any visiting team," said Broad on his podcast. "The Australians are strong favorites."

"Australia are under the most pressure because they’re expected to win, they’re formidable in home conditions, but they’ve got question marks over their team and question marks over their skipper's condition. You wouldn’t be outlandish in thinking – it’s actually not an opinion, it's a reality – it’s probably the worst Australian team since 2010. And it’s the best England squad in over a decade. These factors match up to the fact that it’s going to be a brilliant contest."

Comparison to 2010-11 Tour

"The Australians have remained highly stable for a prolonged duration that you just knew who was going to open the innings, who would bat, which bowlers were available, and they lack that certainty now. It closely resembles a similar situation to the 2010-11 period when England went and won there. The fact of the matter is the Aussies typically need to underperform to lose in Australia and England must excel. The English have a solid opportunity of performing exceptionally and Australia have a decent chance of underperforming."

Selection Decision for the Visitors

A key question for England remains their choice at the number three position, with Pope and Bethell contesting the spot. Alastair Cook, whose 766 runs paved the way for the tourists’ series win over a decade past, believes it would be "unusual" for Stokes' team to abandon Ollie Pope, who has been a regular at number three for the last three years.

"I'd select Pope at number three," said Cook. "I think it’s a straightforward decision. They have someone who’s been part of this buildup for three or four years. He’s captained the side, he’s played remarkable performances for England and he scores centuries. He knows how to score hundreds in the domestic game. If you get rid of him now, I believe that changes the whole dynamic of the foundation they've established over the last few years."

While hailing Jacob Bethell as "a hugely gifted cricketer", Cook added: "It would represent a major risk [to pick him] because should it fail where do you move back to, someone you’ve just got rid of? They have committed heavily in players such as Ollie Pope and [Zak] Crawley that it would be highly odd to make a switch at this stage."

Captaincy Change and Commentary Team

Pope has been succeeded by Harry Brook as England’s vice-captain but, as per Cook, that will "ease the burden on" the Surrey right-hander.

"The management has acted decisively on that, considering in case of an injury to Stokes, they have a player in Harry Brook who has taken the [captaincy of the] one-day side and it's evident that he appears well suited to it. This will take the pressure off. I believe it won't weaken his position. I’m sure it will have hurt him because whenever you're removed from a leadership role it wouldn’t be ideal, but I don’t think it undermines him."

Cook will be in the host nation as part of the broadcast team of the Ashes, and will be accompanied by fellow Ashes winners Steven Finn and Swann as in-studio analysts. The network will offer a dedicated commentary stream but will use a mixed approach, with play-by-play announcers Alastair Eykyn and Rob Hatch to work off-site in the United Kingdom, while Cook, Finn and Swann provide co-commentary from Australia. Rainford-Brent is also part of the broadcast team working off-site, with the live presentation to be hosted by Becky Ives.