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The pre-Ashes verbal sparring is escalating further, with former England paceman Broad stating that England will face "probably the worst Australian team in over a decade" on tour this season.

David Warner's Bold Prediction Answered by Doubt

Broad's assertion was in response to David Warner – a long-time Ashes rival – forecasting a clean sweep for the hosts. "If the captain [Pat Cummins] doesn’t play, they might win one game," Warner commented.

Australia have not lost a Ashes match on home soil after England's series win in the 2010-11 tour. Their 5-0 win in the following series – following seven defeats in their previous nine Tests – came before 4-0 series victories in the 2017-18 and 2021-22 campaigns.

Squad Doubt and Fitness Concerns for the Hosts

Yet, the top-ranked Test team, who have suffered just a single defeat of their past 13 bilateral series, approach the forthcoming contest with questions over the composition of their batting lineup and the health of Cummins, who is unlikely to feature in the opening match at Perth because of a back issue.

"It’s very, very difficult to triumph on Australian soil as an England side, or any side," Broad remarked on his podcast. "Australia have to be massive favourites."

"Australia are under the most pressure because they’re anticipated to prevail, they’re formidable in home conditions, but they’ve got doubts over their squad and concerns over their skipper's condition. You wouldn’t be outlandish in thinking – this isn't merely a view, it’s a fact – it’s probably the worst Australian team since 2010. And it’s the best English team in over a decade. These factors match up to the fact that it’s going to be a thrilling Ashes series."

Comparison to Historic Tour

"Australia have been highly stable for a prolonged duration that it was clear who was going to open the innings, who would bat, which bowlers were available, and they lack that certainty now. It’s very much a comparable scenario to 2010-11 when England traveled and emerged victorious. The reality is the Aussies typically need to underperform to lose in Australia and England must excel. The English have a solid opportunity of being very good and Australia have a decent chance of underperforming."

Team Decision for England

A major issue for England remains their choice at the number three position, with Pope and Bethell contesting the spot. Cook, whose prolific scoring set up the visitors' series victory over a decade past, thinks it would be "unusual" for Stokes' team to move away from Pope, who has been a consistent at number three for the past three seasons.

"I'd select Pope at number three," Cook stated. "I think it’s a straightforward decision. They have a player who has been involved in this preparation for several years. He has led the team, he has delivered some extraordinary innings for England and he’s a hundred-maker. He knows how to score hundreds in the domestic game. If you get rid of him now, I believe that changes the whole dynamic of the foundation they've established over the last few years."

While hailing Bethell as "a hugely gifted cricketer", Cook added: "It would represent a major risk [to pick him] because should it fail what is the fallback option, someone you’ve just got rid of? They’ve invested so much in people like Pope and [Crawley that it would be highly odd to change it now."

Captaincy Change and Commentary Team

Pope has been succeeded by Harry Brook as England’s vice-captain but, according to Cook, that will "ease the burden on" the Surrey right-hander.

"They’ve been proactive on that, considering in case of an injury to Ben Stokes, they’ve got a guy in Harry Brook who has taken the [captaincy of the] one-day side and it's evident that he seems to be well suited to it. This will take the pressure off. I don’t think undermine him. I’m sure it will have hurt him because whenever you're removed from a leadership role it isn't perfect, but I doubt it diminishes his standing."

Cook will be in Australia as part of the broadcast team of the series, and will be accompanied by former Ashes champions Finn and Swann as in-studio analysts. The network will provide its own audio feed but will operate a hybrid model, with commentators Eykyn and Rob Hatch based remotely in the United Kingdom, while Cook, Finn and Swann deliver expert analysis from on location. Ebony Rainford-Brent is also part of the commentary team operating remotely, with the live presentation to be hosted by Ives.