Three Lions bowler hits back at Darren Lehmann’s claims home side got lucky.
England fast bowler Stuart Broad on Thursday dismissed claims by Australia coach Darren Lehmann that the tourists were unlucky to lose this year’s Ashes series.
Lehmann said after England’s 3-0 victory that Australia could have won at least two Tests, after the third Test at Old Trafford fell victim to rain and the fifth Test at the Oval was ended by bad light with the match finely poised.
However, Broad believes that the series could just as easily have finished with an England whitewash.
“Lehmann said it could have been 3-2 to Australia, but it could have been 5-0 to us,” he said.
“And anyway, that’s not how sport works, is it? It’s a results-driven business. Sure, Australia had chances to win Test matches in England, but they won none. That’s the bottom line.”
Broad is due to be the focus of attention when the return series begins in Australia in November, after his contentious decision not to walk during the first Test at Trent Bridge.
Lehmann apologised to Broad after calling on Australia’s fans to heckle him in a radio interview, but the England bowler says he fully expects to be given a hard time.
“The head coach of Australia has called for a barrage, but I am one of these characters who thrives off a bit of niggle,” Broad said.
“It’s strange, because off the field I am a shy, quiet person. I prefer to watch a bit of TV at home. But get me on the cricket field and I like it all kicking off.
“So it’s something I look forward to. It will be interesting out there. I don’t quite know what to expect from the crowds in Australia, but I’m certainly not expecting cheers.”
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