Stuart

Broad retired from playing after the Ashes series in England in 2023, when Australia retained the urn with a 2-2 draw.

He added: “You wouldn’t be outlandish in thinking – it’s actually not an opinion, it’s a fact – it’s probably the worst Australian team since 2010 when England last won, and it’s the best English team since 2010.

“So those things match up to the fact it’s going to be a brilliant Ashes series.”

The first Test starts in Perth on 21 November and Australia’s preparations have been hit by the potential absence of skipper Cummins, who has not played since July because of lumbar bone stress in his back.

The pace bowler is still recovering from the injury and has said he is “less likely than likely” to play in the opener.

His absence would leave Australia with a bowling attack of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Scott Boland, who are all in their mid-30s, with their other seamers inexperienced or untried at Test level.

The packed Ashes schedule – five Tests in seven weeks – also means both sides will be tested by injuries.

“Australia have been so consistent for a long period of time that you just knew who was going to open the batting, who was going to bat where, what bowlers there were – and they don’t have that,” said Broad.

“It’s very much a similar situation to 2010-2011 when England went and won there.

“The fact of the matter is Australia generally have to be bad to lose in Australia and England have to be very good.

“England have a great chance of being very good and Australia have a decent chance of being bad.

“I don’t think anyone could argue that it’s their weakest team since 2010… it’s just a fact.”