LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Stuart Broad, known as a villain in the Ashes, is set to return to Australia as part of Channel 7's commentary team next summer. Cricket fans had hoped this would be the last they saw of the England fast bowler, especially after his controversial decision not to walk after edging a ball to first slip during the 2013 Trent Bridge Test. This incident led to significant outrage in Australia, with calls to "Broadban" him, and the Brisbane Courier-Mail even refraining from mentioning his name altogether.
Returning 12 years later, Broad will trade in his cricket whites for a suit and microphone. His inclusion in the commentary line-up has not been welcomed warmly, with one local fan likening his popularity to "a mosquito at a BBQ." Former England captain Mike Atherton seized the opportunity to tease Broad during their recent commentary stint in the England-India series. Atherton highlighted the negative reception of Broad's upcoming role in Australia, stating, "Well, Stuart, just to reflect on a bit of news that emerged from Down Under overnight that seems to have gone down like a bucket of sick with the locals, namely that you're going to be commentating on one of the local channels in the Ashes." He further reminded Broad of the Courier-Mail calling him a "smug, pommy, cheat" and inquiring if he was looking forward to the hostile reception in Australia.
Broad smiled and acknowledged, "Well, I sort of obviously agree with the pommy and the cheat bit, but I don't think I'm smug." He noted that since retiring from international cricket, he has received many well-wishing messages from passionate Australian fans. He expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to engage with them directly on Channel 7, saying, "I've always loved coming to Australia and feeling the love from every Australian cricket fan, and I anticipate this summer won't be any different." He reflected on the competitive spirit of the teams, stating, "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. It will be another epic Ashes series played in the right spirit, as all Ashes are. Aren't they?"