Stuart Broad looking forward to Ashes battle with ‘fiery’ Australian David Warner

Stuart Broad is eager to renew his battle with Australian fly-half David Warner after his record success against him four years ago.

Broad fired Warner seven times in the 2–2 draw in 2019 at a personal cost of just 35 runs. No bowler in Test history has fired a batsman more often in a series at a lower average, adding extra spice – if needed – to the Ashes’ first Test at Edgbaston on June 16.

Broad, who has taken the wicket from Warner 14 times – more than any other bowler – admitted he believes the Hobart Test in January 2022 could be the last time the pair, both 36, will meet were crossing. They even shared a glass of red to mark the occasion.

“I can’t wait to fight Davey again,” Broad said. “He got the better of me for quite a long time, and the biggest praise I can give him is the fact that I had to study him and change my bowling style because of his success.

“He’s someone I really enjoyed playing against. He’s fiery and fiercely competitive, and those kinds of characters bring out the best in me as well.

Broad’s battle with Warner will add spice to Ashes’ first Test at Edgbaston on June 16

The England bowler studied Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne before the Ashes

Warner is under pressure for his place after a bizarre summer at home in which he scored a double-hundred against South Africa but failed to reach 50 in 10 other Test innings.

And Broad said he didn’t know if Warner would be able to play the ball, not the man.

‘justin langer [Australia’s coach] made a few comments after the ’19 Ashes that he felt Warner had come on stage in his net where he was almost too focused on my style of bowling.’

Since then, Broad has been studying Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne, recently announcing that he has developed an outswinger for both men.

“I would be wrong if I hadn’t researched what I need to do against different players. It was one of my greatest strengths against David Warner. I did so much research on him, and realized that I had to miss the leg side rather than the offside side because he doesn’t hit in the middle of the wicket.

“My numbers are high against Smudge and Labuschagne in recent series, so I have to do something different.”

Broad will be competing in his ninth Ashes, but retirement talks have been put on hold as he has never had so much fun. He even says he is “addicted” to the locker room.

“I like the circus, the back and forth between the actors. It’s a bit like a boxing match going up to Edgbaston. I was just beginning my professional journey in 2005, but it seems comparable to this type of development.

Broad will compete in his ninth Ashes, but retirement talks have been put on hold

“Australia are confident that they will come and win here, and we are confident that we will win.” I can’t think of so many series where both teams really feel like favourites. It’s a really cool place to play.’

Broad, however, backs the Bazball approach which has so far brought coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes 10 out of 12 wins.

“So every bowling attack we’ve played has gone ‘they can’t do it against us’, right? Dean Elgar has been very vocal about this. And I think Australians will feel it too.

As if Broad wasn’t having enough fun, Marmite and the Barmy Army teamed up to compose a new song in his name, to the tune of Abba’s “Voulez-Vous” – including lines about Warner cut and hit Nathan Lyon for six.

“The Barmy Army brings energy all the time,” he said. “This first test at Edgbaston is going to be electric.”

Follow @Marmite on Instagram and TikTok to see results for the new #SpreadTheLove song.