One-word sledge Ashes nemesis Stuart Broad refuses to cop

News.com.au

a day ago

As Stuart Broad prepares to commentate in the looming Ashes series Down Under, the retired England quick has been given a reminder of just how unpopular he is in Australia.
The 39-year-old retired after the drawn Ashes series of 2023, finishing his outstanding career with 604 wickets from 167 Test matches in national colours.
But the mere mention of the blond paceman's name lights a fire in the belly of countless Aussie cricket fans.
Ever the antagonist, Broad etched his name in infamy during the first Test of the 2013 Ashes series in England when a healthy outside edge from Ashton Agar's bowling was caught by Michael Clarke at first slip (see below).
Broad was famously given not out by umpire Aleem Dar, Clarke didn't have any more reviews and the Englishman, who was on 37 at the time, went on to make 65 in a match the home side won by 14 runs.
It led to accusations of cheating and all sorts of commentary about the 'spirit of cricket' and was a hot topic when the return Ashes series took place in Australia just three months later.
The Courier Mail in particular fired a series of shots at Broad ahead of the first Test at the Gabba and Michael Atherton referred to that drama when he asked the fast bowler about commentating for Channel 7 in Australia later this year.
'Well Stuart, just to reflect on a bit of news that emerged form Down Under overnight that seems to have gone down like a bucket of sick with the locals,' Atherton began on Sky Sports during England's current Test series with India.
'Namely that you're going to be commentating on one of the local channels in the Ashes.
'Just a reminder of how popular you are down there, the Brisbane Courier Mail couldn't bring themselves to put a photo of you on the front page.
'And then called you a 'smug Pommy cheat, Broad Ban'. Are you looking forward to going down to Australia this winter to commentate on the Ashes?'
Broad had a cheeky grin on his face as he took the sledge from his compatriot and had no issue being called a cheat, which has been picked up by news outlets across the world.
But there was one word he wasn't prepared to cop.
'Well, I sort of obviously agree with the Pommy and the cheat bit,' he said.
'But I don't think I'm smug.'
The cricket world has since had a field day over the brief exchange, with many venting their feelings towards Broad and others relishing his looming appearance at Aussie grounds for what will be another heated contest.
Podcaster Anthony Spiteri wrote on X: 'I loathed Stuart Broad … but I also loved his competitiveness and fire while playing for England. His commentary is some of the best of recent times. Be good to have him.'
Indian cricket fan The Bakchod Bro tweeted: 'Yeah, popular like a mosquito at a barbecue. Aussies love Broady … for all the wrong reasons.'
Paul White wrote: 'He can leave any reference to the 'spirit of cricket' at home. No English cricket player, unwashed fan, or talking head in the media has any concept of it.'
Daniel Sanderson stated: 'Broad is a wind up merchant. The Aussies can't take any form of banter at all.'
Matty Smith offered simply: 'Definitely smug.'
Some hopeful Aussie cricket fans also suggested Broad would be very welcome to witness another defeat Down Under.
'He can come and commentate an Aussie 5 nil victory while he gets abused,' was one suggestion.
'I think it's great. He'll witness in person ANOTHER England series loss,' said a second.
This summer's Ashes series commences in Perth on November 21 before it shifts to Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney.