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Ashes 2023 | 'England Needed That Spell From Stuart Broad': Ricky Ponting

image-lj3xungdBroad pickerd up the crucial wickets of Labuschagne and Smith [AP Photos]

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has showered praise on Stuart Broad, stating England desperately needed that spell from the pacer. Broad scalped two big wickets at the end of the Day 4 as Australia ended at 107 for 3, needing 174 more runs to win the first Test of the five-match Ashes 2023 series.

The ongoing Edgbaston Test has been characterized by a pendulum-like shift, where England has had the upper hand at times, only to be countered by Australia's strong comebacks. In a conversation with Sky Sports following the conclusion of Day 4, Ponting commented on the same: 

“Right through the course of this game it has gone back and forth between either side. England were very dominant on day one, Australia found a way to get back into it and Khawaja was outstanding.” 

The former Australia captain further said that the hosts were in a dire need of that spell from Stuart Broad since it looked like Australia was taking the game away from England. Broad dismissed the dangerous duo of Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne to leave Australia reeling at 107 for 3.

“At the start of this fourth innings, 50-0, everything is looking good, then enter Stuart Broad with a couple of big wickets his team needed. His team needed that spell and the series needed that spell because it looked like it was slipping away. You can't predict anything. It takes one innings.” 

Australia bowled England out for 273 runs on Day 4, with captain Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon picking up four wickets each. For the hosts, the likes of Joe Root, Harry Brook and Ben Stokes were the top-scorers, having scored 46, 46 and 43 respectively. 

Australia concluded Day 4 with a total of 107 for 3 on the scoreboard, with opener Usman Khawaja and night watchman Scott Boland holding steady in the middle. To secure a win in the Edgbaston Test and inflict a 1-0 lead over England in the five-match Ashes series, Australia now requires 174 more runs.