The current Australian top order is the most confused he has ever seen in his life, according to England great pacer Stuart Broad. Following David Warner’s retirement in 2023 and Marnus Labuschagne’s dismal play, Australia is fielding a fresh look at the top three, which includes Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, and Cameron Green.
Broad , who has bowled to Australian greats like Ricky Ponting, Justin Langer, and Matthew Hayden in 40 Ashes Test matches, voiced concern about the unpredictability of Australia’s current Test top-order.
“I’m not alone in believing that these are the most confused top three in my life. Hayden, Langer, and Ponting were my childhood friends, Broad stated on The Grade Cricketer podcast.
However, I believe Usman is having trouble. At three, Cameron Green is a (number) six, isn’t he? Or five (number). As an opening bowler, I would be very interested in anyone who used to take off stump protection because they play at fifth stump and are unsure of their off stump location. In the end, Labuschagne is a good player, even though I am aware that he has suffered for a few years. Therefore, I’d be shocked if he didn’t reappear at some point,” he continued.
A former cricketer for England said he had faith in Konstas, a 19-year-old who has only averaged 18.25 in his four Test matches thus far. Despite making an exciting start in the 2024–25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy Boxing Day Test match against India, the young player has been having trouble ever since.
“I think Konstas will get a run (in the Ashes) because he is still a young player and is still getting used to the tricky pitches in the Caribbean.” Stuart Broad said.
“Even though he didn’t play, the crunch off the bat that you hear was impressive,” I said, watching him in the nets before to the World Test Championship at Lord’s. However, he had a few low scores, which made me start to doubt myself. However, I believe Konstas is there to stay,” he continued.
In order to let middle-order players Travis Head and Steve Smith to play their natural game, Broad underlined how crucial it is that the Australian top-order struggle to play the new ball. He noted that it may be very risky for the opposition if Smith takes up residence at the crease.
“They must figure out how to keep Smith and Head safe at four and five, as they are incredible, and Carey is playing well at seven.” Steve Smith cannot enter a game so early. When “Smudger” shows up with a 35-over old ball and it’s doing nothing, it’s one of Australia’s best assets. They must figure out a method to do it,” Broad said.
As they prepare for the pink-ball Test match against the West Indies in Kingston beginning on July 12, the runners-up in the World Test Championship 2025 will face another difficult match. The three-match series is already 2-0 in favour of the visitors.
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