Seven adds spice to Ashes coverage with England legend Stuart Broad joining the commentary team

7NEWS

19 hours ago

In a coup for cricket fans, one of England's all-time finest – Stuart Broad – is set to join Seven's commentary team for the 2025-26 Ashes series.
The highly anticipated series is less than four months away with the West Test in Perth on November 21, live and free on Seven, and 7plus Sport.
Considered one of England's greatest ever Test bowlers and an equally sharp analyst, Broad will be a familiar face to Australian viewers with a number of career-defining moments on the international stage, particularly within the game's most storied rivalry.
Broad said he can't wait to join the commentary box alongside Australian greats Ricky Ponting and Matthew Hayden among a star-studded team.
'Incredible commentary lineup to be a part of, brilliant cricket brains ... have worked with Ricky quite a bit and worked with Haydos on the World Test Championship Final,' he said.
'So really respect their views on the game and what's going to be, in my opinion, one of the most exciting Ashes series action series for a long time.
'I think both teams are matched up quite nicely. Obviously, Australia have had the better of England for a long time, over in Australia, but England are coming with a pretty strong team.
'So I'm really excited to give my views on how I think the series will go, and call it live.'
Broad was once touted Australia's public enemy No.1 after a spiteful sledge to wicketkeeper Alex Carey following the controversial Jonny Bairstow stumping in the 2023 Ashes series.
'You'll forever be remembered for that,' Broad reportedly told Carey.
He also said it was the worst thing he had seen in the sport and 'the spirit of cricket' became a line that was constantly trotted out in the aftermath of the polarising incident.
'The spirit of cricket line. It's an interesting one, it varies in people's opinions,' he said.
'I know the Australia press picked up on the handshake stuff in England against India a little more than the English press did.
'But that's how Ashes series will work. England need to know they are going to enemy territory.'
While Broad has been labelled as a villain with his antics against Australia, he said he will be doing his best to stay neutral behind the microphone.
'I wouldn't say I've loved winding (Aussie fans) up, it seems to come quite naturally,' he said with a laugh.
'But no, I will be a neutral over there. Just give my views on what I see. You know, I've always had a huge amount of respect for the Australian fans.
'I love playing there. I love how much they enjoy their cricket and want their team to win.
'And the English travelling fans will be in there in force as well.'
Seven Network Head of Cricket Joel Starcevic is delighted to have Broad's expert analysis on Seven and 7plus Sport.
'Stuart's rivalry with Australia runs deep, and we cannot wait to see him go head-to-head with a group of Australia's greatest ever cricket icons in the Seven commentary box this summer,' he said.
'Not just a legend of the game on the pitch, his eloquent analysis, cheeky banter, genuine love for the sport and sharp insights makes him the ultimate addition to our star-studded Test cricket commentary team.
'With just 100 days to go until the summer of cricket begins on Seven, with the Women's Big Bash League, we are putting the finishing touches on our broadcast offering for a summer like no other.
'Every ball of The Ashes, plus the BBL, WBBL and Women's International Series. You do not want to miss a moment right here, live and free on Seven and 7plus Sport.'