England need to win first two Ashes Tests to have a chance of winning the series: Stuart Broad

Published - 18 Nov 2025, 18:06 IST | Updated - 18 Nov 2025, 18:06 IST

Former English cricketer Stuart Broad feels England will have to come out on top in the first two Tests of the upcoming Ashes to stand a chance to win the series, which is scheduled to get underway on November 21.

Broad alluded to England's dismal record in Brisbane where they have not won a Test match since 1986. He further noted that Australia is not a place where any visiting team could afford to be on the backfoot.

"England have to win the first test to stand a chance of winning the Ashes. Our record's shocking at the Gabba. That's why it's a small advantage that the first test isn't there this time. I think it will all be on the first two test matches, if I'm honest. If England don't get anything out of the first two, then that's a major problem because in Australia, the energy, the flow of the whole country will build up and then you're fighting a bit of a losing battle," stated Broad while speaking on the Odds Law podcast.

Broad felt that out of all the English quicks, Gus Atkinson could be the frontline pacer for Ben Stokes & Co. and would play a vital role in contributing to the team throughout the series.

"I think Gus could be the one who becomes a mainstay of the attack. He could do really nicely in Australia and be that consistent bowler that Stokes can lean on to bowl a lot of overs. He's got a nice, short stride pattern, can go through the gears, and can play a great supporting role to the quicker bowlers who might rotate through the series," he added.

Strauss warns Australia will target Stokes’ mindset in Ashes

England have not won a single Test in Australia since the 2010/11 series. Overall, they won their last Ashes in 2015. The Three Lions will aim on putting on a much better showing this time around. The pace attack for the tourists includes Mark Wood, Jofra Archer, Atkinson, Josh Tongue and Brydon Carse. Stokes will also be expected to contribute with the ball.