England great Stuart Broad says he is excited for his first Ashes series as a commentator but nervously hoping to play down an “awkward” reunion with one Australian in particular.
The paceman retired at the end of the 2023 series and quickly became a popular addition to broadcasts during recent English summers.
He is now just days away from leading Channel 7’s Ashes coverage alongside Australian legend Ricky Ponting, who he has already worked with in the UK.
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But with several commentary teams setting up shop at Perth Stadium this week Broad will also cross paths with old friends and rivals — including Aussie firebrand Mitchell Johnson.
“I think that’s the great thing about Ashes cricket, the connection with loads of different players,” he said on his For the Love of Cricket podcast with Jos Buttler.
“The commentary box I’m in has got Ricky Ponting, who I’ve worked with at Sky and played against back in 2009 and 2010. Aaron Finch, Justin Langer, a friend of the pod, Matthew Hayden — guys I don’t know really, really well but after six weeks of an Ashes series I will.
“And ultimately yes I’m working for Channel 7 but there’s loads of other different radio and TV companies, so a lot of pundits will be around. It will all be a bit awkward, you know, if you get in a lift with Mitchell Johnson, who last time I saw he was just trying to rip my head off.
“It’s like ‘you alright, Mitch, you getting on?’ It’s going to be quite a bit of that. A few awkward handshakes — I’m just going to go strong, firm, normal, regulation, strong handshake and see how we get on (laughs).
“But yeah it’ll be great to catch up with loads of different people, that’s what Ashes cricket’s about.”
Broad said he will keep in touch with current England players through text and catch up with them during matches.
He expects to conduct the “majority” of interviews with the tourists — and he knows relationships will be tested by results on the field.
“It’s a difficult one, isn’t it? I’m great mates with a lot of them … I think it will depend if I have to be critical of them at times,” Broad said.
“If I have to say anything harsh then I’ll certainly explain it to the guys at stages. But obviously I’m hoping that I won’t have to be harsh. Hopefully we’re winning games and we’re being really positive.”
Broad’s concern on that front comes after controversy erupted during the women’s Ashes last summer.
Former England star Alex Hartley claimed she was “hung out to dry” and given “the cold shoulder” by some players and coaches for calling out their fitness levels and standards.
Hartley detailed the relationship breakdown after revealing ex-teammate Sophie Ecclestone refused an interview with her on Channel 7’s coverage.
“To be clear, there are some members of the England team who have been really disappointing, but by no means all,” Hartley wrote later.
“For some, friendships remain unchanged. For others, I’ve been shocked and surprised by their response.”
“Ultimately as a friend, it’s irrelevant what happens on the cricket field,” he said.
“I’m actually in Sydney on my own at New Year’s Eve so I’m hoping for a little invite to the ECB party if I’m honest. But I haven’t sent any notes out yet.”
The 39-year-old said he has been content with life after cricket but will “have a tingle in my stomach” watching the first ball.
“It’s very much, gosh, I know my career is over but now Ashes cricket’s started again,” he said.
“I don’t wish I was out there particularly. I don’t look at it like I’d love to be bowling that first ball. Yes, there’s times where I’d love to get a wicket again and get that feeling.
“But all the work that’s already been done, that hard work preparing yourself for a series like this, I enjoyed doing it while I was doing it but I’m very happy to see other people in the shirt now.”
Broad is avoiding making a series prediction but expects Australia and England to split the first two Tests in Perth and Brisbane.
