English fast bowler Stuart Broad has made some big excuses amid the Ashes loss in 2021-22 and stated that Australia's 4-0 victory does not count as a "real Ashes'.
In a lengthy interview to England's publication The Daily Mail, Broad took the covid restrictions imposed during the time as a cover-up for the heavy loss.
Broad made these remarks after England was soundly defeated in four of the five Test matches in 2021โ22, with only rainy conditions in Sydney keeping them from losing the series via a whitewash for the third time in 15 years.
"Nothing was harsher than the last Ashes series," Broad said.
"But in my mind I don't class that as a real Ashes.
"The definition of Ashes cricket is elite sport with lots of passion and players at the top of their game."
However, Broad also added that it was not a legitimate competition because England had to suffer a quarantine period and the teams spent a portion of the tour in a bubble.
"Nothing about that series was high-level performance because of the Covid restrictions," he said.
"The training facilities, the travel, not being able to socialise. I've written it off as a void series."
Chris Silverwood, the head coach at the time, was dissatisfied with his quarantine requirements after testing positive for the virus during the Boxing Day Test along with numerous other members of the support staff.
However, Covid is far less likely to have an impact on the buildup to this year's Ashes.
"I'm fascinated to see how their bowling attack will defend against us, and it will be interesting to see how their batters stay calm because we play so aggressively now," Broad said.
"Will they be able stick to their game plans and bubbles when we're playing this style? That will be a test for them."
"It would be great for us if Australia try to take us on at our own game."
"If we can get them playing in a slightly different style they could make mistakes and that would be brilliant for us."
